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Tag: Bawa Bwari

  • Oyetola visits CBN, Mines and Steel Development Ministry

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development have assured the Osun State government of support.

    The state governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, received the assurance at two separate visits to the CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Bawa Bwari, their offices in Abuja.

    The governor told them of the large deposit of mineral resources in many parts of the state, especially gold which he said the state was yet to take its full advantage.

    Oyetola sought support for the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme of his administration, saying the state is planing to streamline artisan mining.

    Seeking support for his administration’s agriculture programme, especially the plan to establish nine farm centers in the nine federal constituencies of the state, he disclosed that he would revitalize Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.

    Read Also: Oyetola inaugurates committee on Health sector

    He also revealed that he would hold an Economic Summit which will hold in the first quarter of 2019.

    The governor, who noted that “Osun is home of mining” told the minister that the “local miners are unregulated” and also t that the state has mining licences which are  not utilized.

    Responding, the minister promised support Osun to organise artisan miners and back the state to get the best out of its mineral deposit.

    Bwari described the visit of the governor less than one month after assuming office, as “an indication of his seriousness and commitment to duty.

    Also, Emefiele, who commended the governor for his plan to improve agriculture, said states should embrace agriculture to provide employment opportunities for their people and generate revenue.

    The CBN governor said: “I do not think states can’t be viable. They were self-sustaining in the days of regions. We‘ve abandoned agriculture. Everybody is now depending on oil. States can be viable if they leverage their advantage.”

    Emefiele promised to support Osun state within the limit of CBN programmes, adding that he had known the governor for many years as a man of integrity and competence when he was a private sector player.”

    He said the plan to streamline the artisan miners and the youth enterprenurship programme will receive the full support of the CBN.

    The governor also on Monday visited Minister of Works, Power and Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Finance Hajiya Zainab Ahmed and the Qatar Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Mubarak Al-Muhannadi.

     

  • Miners list impeding challenges to Buhari

    The Miners Association of Nigeria on Friday visited the Presidential Villa, Abuja and complained to President Muhammadu Buhari on some challenges impeding their operations in some states.
    The Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Bawa Bwari, spoke with State House correspondents at the end of the closed doors meeting.
    According to him, the government is committed to encouraging mining activities in the country.
    The Minister assured the the government will look into the plights of the miners.
    He said “The miners Association of Nigeria seek for a courtesy call to Mr. President and he granted it. This is historic because this is the first time Miners Association of Nigeria has been received by a president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
    “They came to commend the president for what we have done in the mining sector. Government is putting in place some incentives that are encouraging mining activities in Nigeria.

    Read Also: I’ll sign PIB into law, Buhari assures oil workers

    “They came to show their appreciation and also to complain about what they are encountering, especially in states where state governments are charging them multiple taxes and some of their activities are disrupted by state government agencies. In fact, sometimes their mines are closed down.
    “This, we are talking with the state governments involved. We intend to take up this matter at the National Economic Council (NEC); where state governments should know their limits and they should know they are also beneficiaries of whatever mining activities is going on because 13 percent derivation is supposed to go to state governments for mining activities taking place there.” He said
    Bwari stressed that the government has recorded major achievements in the mining sector.
    He said “For example, we have a company called Symbol Mining. It has started modern mining in Bauchi. It is mining led at 32 percent grade compared to the world average of 6 percent.
    “This is a good development for Nigeria because mining is structured in such a way that any discovery like that will attract bigger mining to come to Nigeria.
    “We have no choice than to encourage mining for one reason; our population. When you consider our population and you discover that we have more than 44 minerals cutting across all the 774 local governments, this will create activities and create opportunities for our teeming population.” he stated

     

  • Updated: FEC bids Fayemi farewell 

    The immediate past Minister of Mines and Steel, Kayode Fayemi on Wednesday attended his last Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Council held a valedictory session for Fayemi, who has resigned his appointment to run for the governorship election in Ekiti State billed for July 14.

    President Muhammadu Buhari noted that he was reluctantly allowing Fayemi to go to his state because of his constructive contributions at FEC meetings.

    He said “As I sat here, I watched every minister that spoke and about his contributions, this revealed not only intellect but when he is given the necessary time to contribute to important memorandum, he made contributions. This shows commitment to the progressive of this government and the country.

    “By chance he was given the portfolio of solid minerals and steel development and you know that sector was virtually abandoned. During the colonial days, they took what they wanted from us – tin, columbite and the rest were the priorities until they struck oil somewhere, it was simply priority of investment shifted offshore.

    “When he went in, he began to deal with both Nigerians and foreigners that are exploiting the lack of commitment of those who are responsible of that sector before he went there. If you recall the number of children and women that suffered from the effect of mining in Zamfara State and other parts of the country and the people responsible, knowing that Nigeria will dump as decently as possible.

    “He only briefed me occasionally but he was packing them out of the country, with the cooperation of some his colleagues he will come here and let me know.” he said

    He urged Fayemi to get Ekiti State for APC.

    He said “I hope you will get the Ekiti back for the party. The only time I saw the INEC chair was to insist that go voters Education should be emphasized, so that ordinary Nigerians will believe that Nigeria is beginning to respect them and that their PVC is their status.

    “And then couple with the card readers, God willing we are here with the help of technology. Because, previous elections and I am in the position to say so having lost three times and got to Supreme Court, I know if not for technology, we will be doing the same thing.

    “A lot of constituencies were bought, voters were allocated and results were announced and people were told to go to court if they don’t agree with it.

    “Now, for someone who is looking for the next meal, how is he going to get the money to give   to SAN, to demand for justice for his marginalization.

    “So, we thank technology because with the introduction of PVC and the readers’ card, votes counted. Please go and emphasize this to your constituencies, let Nigerians be respected that they can vote anybody across any party and at any constituency.

    “I think that will give them the pride to voluntarily go and vote. It is not easy to go to Supreme Court three times, but I went through it, I wonder how many people will be proud to go through it in this country.

    “So, we certainly wish you the best of luck but it will take me sometimes to get a substantive minister and more so with the 2019 prospects that I have already indicated. But we need a very strong minister, strong in intellect and courage, so as to make sure that both the Nigerian and foreign collaborators of taking away our resources can be checked effectively.

    “We thank you very much for your contribution for your country. Goodbye, we will come for the inauguration.” he added

    Six members of the cabinet were selected from the six geopolitical zones to speak on Fayemi.

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu said that Fayemi is both special and unique.

    According to him, he played important roles in the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and creation of the Progressives Governors Forum.

    Read Also:Ekiti 2018: Election ‘Fire’ will consume Fayose, says Fayemi

    Minister of Interior, Abdulraman Danbazzau said “I found him to be a gentle man and an academic of repute.

    “We became very close during the campaigns. We are going to miss him in this chamber because of his contributions to discussions, which have increased the informed decisions we have taken here.

    “I want to wish him success in the campaign and wish he wins the election.” he added

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Amina Alhassan said that Fayemi has repositioned the Ministry of Mines and Steel in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision.

    She also noted that Fayemi was a gender friendly minister.

    “He is a He for She and has always included women in his programmes. The Nigerian women miss you already.

    On her part, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun said “He is a unique public servant.”

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi said that Fayemi was instrumental to his success as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum.

    Amaechi, who was former Rivers State Governor, said “It is difficult to speak about Fayemi. You cannot talk about my success as Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum without talking about Fayemi. I wish him best of luck.”

    Fayemi’s Deputy, Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Bawa Bwari said that the Ministry will greatly miss him.

    He said “What we met on ground at the Mines and Steel Development Ministry, when we came on board, was so discouraging that we didn’t know where to start from.”

    According to him, the success recorded in the sector in the past three years was due to Fayemi’s leadership.

    The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, who was not part of those selected to speak on Fayemi from the six geopolitical zones, told his colleagues that he had something to say against Fayemi.

    Complaining that Fayemi, who had been very close to him has now been dodging him since his ambition to get Ekiti gubernatorial seat.

    He also pointed out that Fayemi will be more useful at the national level than in Ekiti State.

    Adamu later urged his colleagues to support Fayemi to win the forthcoming Ekiti gubernatorial election.

    In his remarks, Fayemi, who jokingly said that he would have to learn how to dodge bullets, said that his winning Ekiti State Governorship seat will not be a national loss as it will give more opportunity to serve the country and the President better.

    He said “At occasions like this, words normally fail me. But I have to say thank you to Mr. President for the opportunity to serve the people and also for agreeing for me to run for the Ekiti Gubernatorial seat.”

    He also thanked his colleagues for all their supports in moving the country forward and the progress made in the past three years.

    According to him, he had no regret of been called ‘Buhari’s Boy’, because Buhari stood for transparency and accountability.

  • House of Reps goofed on Ajaokuta – Fayemi, Bwari

    The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari, on Thursday faulted the position of the House of Representatives on the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

    The duo said they have not contracted any transactional adviser for concessioning of Ajaokuta Steel Company as wrongly asserted by the House.

    They also said the ministry has not spent a dime from the N2, 096,500.00 appropriated by the House for concessioning of Ajaokuta Steel Company in the 2017 Appropriation Act.

    They said it was rather worrisome that the House of Representatives could devote an entire day to non-existing matter.

    The ministers made the clarifications in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the minister, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode.

    The statement said: “The attention of the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari, has been drawn to the debate by members of the House of Representatives on the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, where the House adopted a resolution to stop the planned concessioning of the steel company.

    “Whilst the ministers are convinced the Honourabe members mean well as patriots concerned about an important national asset, it is also a fact that they have grossly misunderstood the ministers and other stakeholders working with the Ministry on this exercise.

    “In view of this and the need to set the record straight for the sake of the general public and the investing community, it is important to state as follows:

    • The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has not contracted any transactional adviser for the concessioning of Ajaokuta Steel Company, as wrongly asserted by the House.
    • The process for the appointment of a Transactional Adviser is on, but cannot be completed until it gets the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
    • The Ministry has not spent a dime from the N2, 096,500.00 (Two billion, ninety six million, five hundred thousand naira) appropriated by the House for the concessioning of Ajaokuta Steel Company (in the 2017 Appropriation Law).
    • The mediation process that led to the amicable settlement of the legal encumbrances on Ajaokuta Steel Complex has not ended. There are still a few more steps to be taken as outlined in the terms of (out of court) settlement. And the Ministry is following up on this.
    • It is also important to state that no one has been hired.
    • We find it rather worrisome that the House of Representatives could devote an entire day to an issue that has not even arisen.
    • The Ministry remains committed to making Ajaokuta Steel Plant function effectively, convinced that steel remains the most important engineering material and backbone of industrialisation in any economy.