- Charge journalists to uncover illegal mining operations in Kogi.
Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, says with its solid minerals endowment, the state holds the ace for Nigeria’s future.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Kogi NUJ 2025 Press Week, held in Lokoja on Thursday, Gegu said the determination of the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo-led administration to place the solid minerals development as top priority is influenced by his desire to open the state to multi streams of revenue.
Engr. Bashiru Gegu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abdulsalam Hudu, added that when fully operational, earnings from the solid minerals sector would help boost all round development.
Engr. Bashiru disclosed that the vision of Gov. Ododo’s administration envision making the state less dependent on oil revenue.
The Commissioner described the theme of the 2025 Press Week, ‘Kogi State Solid Minerals: How Journalists Can Drive Development’ as timely.
“This could not have come at a better time for Nigeria, particularly with the positive repositioning of the state solid minerals sector,” he said.
Engr. Bashiru Gegu disclosed that over the years, Kogi state sits atop enormous natural wealth, yet untapped. He expressed optimism that Kogi state is becoming the solid minerals destination of Nigeria.
“Our state is richly blessed with solid Minerals such as iron ore, limestone, coal, gold, dolomite, tantalite, beryl and more. Yet, for decades, the story has been one of untapped potential, informal mining, and minimal local benefit.
“The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, the Chief Servant, has reiterated his commitment to repositioning the solid minerals sector of the state since his assumption of office.
“It is important to state that the relentless efforts of Gov. Ododo to shore up the revenue base of the state has led to the acquisition of additional 15 minerals titles added to 15 existing ones making it a total of 30 minerals titles spread across the 21 LGA of the state.
“Permit me to also add that Kogi State has also acquired sophisticated mining equipment to aid in the sector’s development, a feat that has placed our State as a major driver in President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s renewed agenda of self reliant, away from oil revenue sources that is shrinking by the day, owing to fluctuating world prices and instability.
“The administration of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo have made a significant breakthrough paving the way from pit to progress.
“With the readiness of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in promoting the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, I can boldly tell you that Kogi is the future of Nigeria and Nigeria is the future of Africa and Africa is the future of the world,” he said.
Engr. Bashiru Gegu called on Journalists in the state to, in the new era of turning pit to progress by the administration of Gov Ododo, serve as watchdogs of society with there unique positioned to change the narrative, stressing that it is no longer business as usual in the solid minerals sector of the state.
While noting that Kogi is strategically placed to become the solid minerals capital of Nigeria, Gegu said from the iron ore deposits in Itakpe, to coal in Okaba, to limestone in Obajana, these resources, if properly harnessed, could drive massive job creation, industrialization, revenue diversification beyond oil and community development.
He, however, acknowledge lack of data, environmental degradation, insecurity, illegal mining, and lack of transparency as persistent challenges, noting that the administration of Gov Ododo has taken the bull by the horns, working assiduously to make the state a solid minerals hub.
Engr. Bashiru challenged the media on investigative reporting to uncover illegal mining operations, environmental violations and corruption in licensing, pointing out that the people deserve to know who is benefitting from their land and resources.
On agenda setting, he called for consistent media focus on solid minerals a topical issue in political discourse, elections, and budgeting priorities.
He also charged the media to amplify the voices of mining communities by asking critical questions like whether they are being displaced. Are they benefitting? Are they being consulted for true development that is inclusive?
Similarly, he called on the media to highlight noticed policy gaps and success stories from other states or countries, and also challenged journalists to put pressure on lawmakers to reform outdated mining laws and invest in local value addition.
Engr. Bashiru called on the media to collaborate with geologists, economists, and environmentalists towards enriching their reportage and ensure accuracy in stories that influence public perception and policy.
Engr. Bashiru Gegu concluded by calling on the NUJ in Kogi State to become catalysts for responsible mining and sustainable development. He advised that they move from just reporting events to shaping the future.
He called on stakeholders, government, private sector, civil society and the media to work hand in hand to ensure that the mineral wealth of Kogi State becomes a blessing, not a curse.
