The Senate on Tuesday, summoned the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi, to appear before it and brief on the ministry’s mining roadmap and implementation framework.
The minister is also expected to brief the upper chamber on how the ministry intended to ensure protection of the residents of mining host communities against lead poisoning and other hazards.
This followed the resolution of the Senate sequel to a motion by Sen. Oluremi Tinubu (APC-Lagos) and four other senators.
The motion is on the “Update on Lead Poisoning in Zamfara and the need to prevent further propagation of the resources theory”.
She said that the senate received with great distress, updates on lead poisoning which occurred in 36 villages and communities in Zamfara.
“It was observed that besides Zamfara, mining host communities in states like Kogi, Niger and others have also been affected by the negative effects of mining practices.
While noting that Nigeria did not qualify as a mining state, she said that the 2016 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) breakdown showed the mining sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP as abysmal.
“It revealed that the nation’s mining sector is almost redundant, that the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Fayemi, is working to resuscitate the sector, and that the ministry has approved a mining roadmap.”
In his contribution, Sen. Magnus Abe (APC-Rivers) urged the senate to make use of the opportunity to address the situation before what happened in the Niger Delta repeated itself.
“This is how the situation in the Niger Delta started and the communities paid for it, because there are no laws in the country governing mining of minerals.
“The institutions are weak and ineffective and sometimes, we have the institutions running over themselves doing the same thing and the communities suffering for it.
“We have to use this opportunity to set it right before it gets out of hand and before we have another Niger Delta situation in this country,” Abe said.
In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, who presided at plenary, said that the senate must pursue its mandate by putting things right.
“We are aware that a lot of illegal mining is going on and we must set things right,” he said.
After the debate, the lawmakers mandated its Committee on Environment and Solid Minerals to visit the affected communities to ascertain the level of damage done and report back.
The senate further directed committee to investigate the activities of the Ministry of Environment as it affected the mining sector.
The upper chamber equally urged the minister to ensure adoption of safer mining methods by mining concerns.
The Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has said that his major priority in office is to make the state the number one destination for investors in Nigeria by the year 2020.
Speaking during the Inauguration of the board of the State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) on Thursday in Akure, the state capital, Akeredolu said the state has no reason to rely on federal allocation from Abuja before she could meet her commitments to the people if the large deposits of mineral and agricultural resources in the state are well annexed.
The Governor said Nigeria spend N300bn annually on importation of bitumen despite the fact that the state has the largest deposit of bitumen in Nigeria which is processed, can reduce pressure on our naira and boost the nation’s foreign exchange.
Speaking on several investment opportunities in the state, he said he established ONDIPA to ensure that corporate organizations and businessmen and women interested in doing business in the state do their transactions without any hues.
The governor also declared that his administration has dedicated 150,000 hectares of land to boost cocoa, oil palm and cassava plantation in the State.
Akeredolu also announced that the first company for Bitumen Exploration and Processing in Nigeria would commence operation in the state before the middle of 2018.
In his word, Akeredolu said: “We are the largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria. We are the largest producer of cassava in Nigeria. We have the largest deposit of limestone in Nigeria; let me inform this gathering that Ondo has the largest deposit of bitumen in Africa and second in the world.
“I want to use this opportunity to announce to this gathering that the first company for Bitumen Exploration and Processing in Nigeria will commence operation in our state before the middle of 2018.
“We are the largest producer of oil palm and cashew nut in South West. We have dedicated 150,000 hectares of land to boost cocoa, oil palm and cassava in Ondo State. We have major cash crops; maize, rice, soya beans, citrus, plantain; coffee, cowpea; we have the highest load of granite in South-west. We have large rubber plantations in Ondo. We have oil and gas; we are the 4th largest producer of oil and gas in Nigeria, we can use gas to power electricity.
The Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. David Oloyeloogun (left), the Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi (middle) and the Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, during the launch of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) held at the International Culture and Event Centre (DOME) – Photo credit: Maxwell Adeyemi Adeleye.
“We are also the hub of tourism. The Smoking Hills and golf resort at Ilaramokin is the largest in Nigeria and the third largest in Africa. The longest hill on the continent of Africa is here. Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre is here. The International Culture and Event Centre (DOME) where we are hosting this event is the biggest in South West.
“The popular igbo olodumare is in my town at Okeigbo and to the glory of God, the largest palace in Africa, the Olowo palace domicile here in our state. From Lagos to Akure and Akure to Lagos now take 25 minutes by air.
“We now have Air Peace flying our once moribund airport every day. Overland Airline has increased the frequency of its flight from Akure to Abuja to three times daily. I am sure many of you fly Air Peace to Akure today. So why can’t you come do business here?
“Furthermore, to ensure that inter-state movement is made easy, Ondo State just signed a memorandum of understanding with Niger/Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the construction of 45km Araromi-Epe road to be completed before the end of 2018,” he stressed.
Assuring the investors of their safety in the state, Akeredolu said “ONDIPA means business. The mandate of ONDIPA is to ensure that private sectors have no problem doing businesses in Ondo State. Today, you do not need to go to ministries to register your business and process papers; ONDIPA will do everything for you.
“I want to assure investors that whatever Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) we sign with you will be fulfilled with sanctimonious attention. We would not compromise integrity. In three years, I want to see Ondo being the number destination of investors in Nigeria.
I want to export our cash crops and mineral resources to reduce pressure on our naira to boost our foreign exchange. My office is opened to investors. ONDIPA is open. The office of ONDIPA is even beside my office,” he stated.
Established by the House of Assembly of Assembly, (ONDIPA)is saddled with the responsibility of managing the State’s investment promotion and multilateral cooperation; structured to meet all corporate best practices to ensure seamless integration of potential investors, development partners and investments into the growth and development of the state’s economy.
The Agency, which has the Governor as its Chairman, has the Special Adviser to the Governor on Development and Investment, Mr Boye Oyewumi is to act as Vice-chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Others members of the board of the agency are the state Commissioners of Commerce and Industry and Agriculture, the Vice-President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Mrs Cecilia Akintomide, CEO, Delta Africs, Engr. Olu Odumakinde who are both indigenes of the state.
In his speech, Oyewumi said he and his team shall be focusing on Investor and sector Targeting/Marketing, Promotion of Tourism, Business facilitation and Partnerships with Multilateral and Donor Organizations and most importantly, Management of the state economic zones aimed towards creating jobs, transfer of technology/skills, reduction of capital flight and value chain improvements, Import substitution, Industry/Economic Diversification, Infrastructure development and most significantly, Improvement of Internally generated revenue.
Oyewumi said to get the goals and objectives of ONDIPA achieved, sectors such as Agriculture, Information technology, Oil and Gas, Energy and Mining, Tourism, Manufacturing and Agro-allied industries and Transportation sectors would be prioritised.
Several investors and corporate organizations who thronged the International Culture and Event Centre (DOME) where the event took place declared their readiness to partner the state government.
An investor, Mr Yomi Adewumi who is the CEO of Investment Technology Limited, a firm specializing in Mining and Processing said his company would be investing $3m dollars in the state. He thanked Akeredolu’s administration for creating an enabling environment for investors to thrive in the state.
Present at the event was the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi, deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi and his wife, Secretary to the state Government, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, members of the state executive council, permanent secretaries and several other government functionaries.
Others present were the first Professor of Investment Promotion in Nigeria, Professor Adesoji Adesugba, representatives of the British Department for International Development (DFID), Nigerian Investment and Development Corporation, Bank of Industry, Kaduna State Development and Investment Corporation, David Lukadu, Yewande Sadiqu, Mohammed Afeez respectively.
Also present were the representative of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Mr Omolola Adegbenga, Lagos lawyer and human rights activists, Mr. Femi Falana, Executive Director, Energy Renewal Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, Director General, National Emergency Agency (NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha amongst others.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Kayode Fayemi on Tuesday updated President Muhammadu Buhari on state of Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi and the Aluminium Smelting Company ( ALSCON ) in Ikot Abasi.
Nigeria’s only aluminium smelting plant, ALSCON, was shut down in 2014 following crippling protests embarked upon by the company’s staff against poor working conditions, dwindling productivity and spiralling debts.
The management of ALSCON, Russian aluminium giant, United Company RUSAL PLC, dismissed almost all local personnel of its workforce.
Fayemi told State House correspondents that the meeting with Buhari was to update him on the companies level of development towards bringing them back to life.
He revealed that a definitive solution to the sale of Aluminium Smelting Company was being canvassed through the efforts of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
Cue in audio – Fayemi
“The president asked for an update on Ajaokuta and the Aluminum Smelting Company in Ikot Abasi. I came to brief Mr. President on the development to ensure these companies are back to life.
“I told him about the efforts that Mr. Vice President was leading, on ensuring that we have a definitive solution to the sale of Aluminium Smelting Company in Ikot Abasi, and that we also move forward in the resolution and agreement reached on Ajaokuta Steel so that we get ready for the second concessioning.
“We have appointed an Adviser; we have appointed a new leadership there because the term of the last leadership has expired. Those were the things we updated Mr. President on.’’
Cue out audio – Fayemi
The minister stated that the government was emphasizing solid minerals development as a vehicle for diversification of the nation’s economy.
He added that mineral resources had contributed significantly to the GDP and revenue.
“This year alone we have exceeded the target given to us. If you look at the Bureau of Statistics report you will see that the two sectors that have contributed immensely to the GDP is agriculture and solid minerals.
Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi will not appear before the Judicial Commission of Enquiry investigating the management of the state’s finances under his watch, his lawyer, Chief Rafiu Balogun, has said.
During the panel’s sitting yesterday, Balogun said he was entering a “conditional appearance” of “appearance in protest” for his client.
The lawyer said Fayemi, minister of Mines and Steel Development, got the panel’s summons but would not appear because of circumstances that predated the constitution of the panel.
He applied to make an oral application, but the panel’s Chairman, Justice Silas Oyewole, advised him to make a formal application, in line with rules of the commission.
The panel ordered Balogun to file an application excusing the former governor from appearing next Monday.
But it ordered a Commissioner for Finance during the Fayemi administration, Mr. Dapo Kolawole, to appear before it on September 11.
This followed Balogun’s prayer for an adjournment for Kolawole, who was summoned to give evidence yesterday.
Counsel to the panel Mr. Sunday Bamise claimed a lawyer, Mr. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, got the summons on behalf of Kolawole, but another lawyer, Adeoye Aribasoye, debunked the claim.
Aribasoye argued that he, Olanrewaju and Mr. Tajudeen Akingbolu announced appearances as “observers” at the panel’s last sitting but did not appear for Fayemi and Kolawole or ever got processes on their behalf.
Justice Oyewole said the record before the panel showed Olanrewaju signed to receive the summons on Kolawole’s behalf, which Aribasoye may be aware of.
The chairman said the panel was on a “fact-finding mission and not raised to crucify anybody”.
Aribasoye added that the ex-commissioner was not properly served.
Other parties at yesterday’s sitting were CASA Nigeria Limited, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Jichengi Yuyan Limited and officials of Ministry of Works and Transportation.
The Federal Government has declared support for the success of nickel project and other investors in the mining sector as a way of actualising its economic diversification plan.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said this in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Olayinka Oyebode in Australia and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.
Oyebode quoted Fayemi as having made the statement in his presentation at the opening session of the Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference in Perth, Australia.
He said the minister spoke to a gathering of African Ministers of Mines and Minerals, policy makers, investors, operators and mining financiers where Nigeria’s nickel discovery formed major highlights.
The minister’s aide said it was a gathering where the massive deposit of world class Nickel in Dagoma, Kaduna State and its prospect as a game changer for the Nigerian economy dominated discussion.
Fayemi, who presented a paper entitled: “Mining for Shared Prosperity: Why Nigeria, Why Now”, said government would support the nickel project and other investors to move from resource-find to exploration and processing.
The minister, who outlined government’s support for the nickel project as well as other genuine investments in the mining sector, noted that government would not compromise its laws and regulations.
He, however, urged investors in the sector to engage and build mutual and beneficial relationships with the host communities through the state government.
Fayemi also urged investors to work with the state government in their community relations engagement in order to build harmonious working relationship with the host communities.
“You need the cooperation of the host communities as well as the state government.
“Even when our constitution allows the Federal Government to issue you licence, you need the understanding and cooperation of the state government and the host communities whose environment you are going to work.
“The host communities should have a stake in your investment.
“Once that is done, they would see themselves as part- owners and would ensure non-sabotage of your efforts. ‘’This, we have learnt through experience,” he said.
Speaking on the nickel deposit, he told the conference that it was reputed to be of a high grade and a “rare find” and which covered about 20-kilometre square in Dagoma village, Southern Kaduna.
The minister said security of the environment was one of the first major steps taken by Nigerian government to ensure the success of the project.
He said that government was also collaborating with Comet Minerals limited (that discovered the mineral) on sundry other aspects of the project.
Fayemi said the nickel discovery could be a game changer if properly managed, adding that government would support in line with the wealth creation and job creation agenda of its economic diversification plan.
He listed the Federal Government’s incentives for investors to include tax holidays (which is renewable), duty waiver on imported mining equipment and 100 ownership of business concern, among others.
The minister, however, said that government would insist on best practices with emphasis on enforcement of law and order.
On government’s effort at curtailing illegal mining, Fayemi said the formalisation of the informal miners remained one of government’s approaches to solve the menace of illegal mining.
In his presentation, Mr Hugh Morgan, Director of Comet Minerals Limited, attested to the support of ministry on the nickel discovery.
Morgan said his company had started engaging the community, having drawn the land ownership map of the areas covered by the nickel deposit.
A Professor of Geology, Ms Lousia Lawrence, said a lot of work had gone into authenticating the high quality nickel deposit.
This, she said had further proved that the nickel deposit could be the game changer for Nigeria.
According to Wikipedia, Nickel is a chemical element with symbol Ni and atomic number 28.
It is a silvery-white lustrous metal with a slight golden tinge, belonging to the transition metals, hard and ductile.
As a compound, nickel has a number of niche chemical manufacturing uses, such as a catalyst for hydrogenation.
Nickel is an essential nutrient for some microorganisms and plants that have enzymes with nickel as an active site.
A report of a five-man panel set up by Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, to investigate the withdrawal of N852 million 2012 UBEC/SUBEB state counterpart fund has revealed that former Governor Kayode Fayemi did not embezzle the cash as alleged by his successor.
The panel in its report dated December 3, 2015 revealed that the cash was withdrawn from the account of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) by Access Bank, Ado-Ekiti Branch, because “the last administration did not perfect the loan agreements with its failure to approve the agreed interest rate and providing Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) for the loan.”
The panel was headed by former Ekiti State Chief Judge who is currently the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaiye, while SUBEB Chairman, Bode Ola, served as secretary.
Other members of the panel – are former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Owoseni Ajayi; Accountant General, Mrs. O.O. Owolabi; Deputy Director, Physical Planning Unit, SUBEB, Ehinafe Olakunle (now late), Dapo Akinyemi and B.J. Ogundare.
It was gathered that the bank agreed to grant the Fayemi administration the facility after the June 21, 2014 governorship election but Fayose who was then the governor-elect warned the bank against granting the facility.
The bank deferred to Fayose and the cash was returned to the vault in a bid to ensure a smooth business relationship with him when he takes over as governor in October of same year.
Fayose had accused Fayemi, who is now Minister of Mines and Steel Development, of looting the funds.
He claimed that the development had denied the state of counterpart funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to execute projects in public schools in the state.
The former governor however denied the allegation.
It was on the basis of the allegation that the state House of Assembly summoned the minister to offer explanation on the matter which he declined on grounds that details on what happened to the funds are contained in his handover note.
After failing to compel Fayemi’s appearance in the Assembly, the lawmakers asked Fayose to raise a judicial panel of inquiry to probe the management of the state finances between October 2010 and October 2014 during the minister’s tenure as governor.
The panel led by former Acting Chief Judge, Justice Silas Oyewole (retd) is currently investigating Fayemi’s tenure.
The Nigerian Government on Tuesday announced the award of an oil block license to Ondo State Government for bitumen exploration.
The Minister of Mines and Steels Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi who made this known at the 1st Ondo State Investment Forum held at the International Event Center (DOME), Akure, the state capital, said that the license was granted to the state as part of the efforts of the federal government to diversify the economy and boost the country’s foreign exchange.
The minister who was represented by Engr. Mohammed Amate, the Director of Mining License in the Ministry, Fayemi said the bitumen reserve in Ondo State can serve the whole of Africa hence the federal government’s decision to explore the opportunity towards economic development of the country.
Fayemi said “Nigeria currently imports over 600,000 tons of asphalt per annum and the nation spends billions of naira on importation of asphalt every year. The naira is weak now because of much demand for dollar and less demand for naira and the poor export policy in the country.
“With bitumen being produced in Ondo State, the Federal Government will ensure that none of its road contractors imports asphalt and I am sure that many state governments will prefer to buy from Ondo state because it will definitely be cheaper here than imports from outside the country”, the Minister said.
Responding, the state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, thanked the federal government for finding his state worthy for partnership; stressing that for the initiative to function optimally, the Federal Government should prioritize and patronize the mining industry.
The Investment forum held in conjunction with the Presidential Economic Diversification Initiative (PEDI) also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and WEMS Agro Ltd for the planting of rice in over 5,000 hectares of land at Akotogbo in Irele Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking on the numerous investment opportunities in his state, Akeredolu said: “Our coastline which is about 120km, is one of the longest in Africa and is home to various fish species like sole snapper, croaker, barracuda, big eye grunter, catfish etc. This is an unchartered territory to be explored as part of this administration’s drive towards economy diversification.
“Let me announce to this gathering that Ondo State had been granted two Free Trade Zone (FTZ) licenses which are Olokola (being oil and gas FTZ in partnership with Ogun State government) and Ondo State Industrial City (as a non-oil and gas FTZ). They are both coastal FTZ’s with the Atlantic Ocean bordering the southern flank.
“In addition to Oil and Gas, Ondo state boasts of possessing one of the largest reserves of Bitumen and Tar Sands in the world; about 42 billion barrels. Ondo State is also endowed with large deposits of various solid minerals including Limestone, Coal, Granite, Kaolin, Silica Sand amongst other minerals.
“Whilst attention over the years has been on Oil and Gas; this Government is willing and ready to exploit its Bitumen reserves in a sustainable way particularly in the area of providing asphalt for road development. It is estimated that over 90% of the minerals in Ondo State are unexploited and unutilized.
“Ondo State as one of the nine oil and gas producing states has abundant oil and gas reserves that remain undeveloped, even though we produce about 12 % of the daily oil production in the country.
“However, gone are those days that any government will be reliant on oil and gas alone. I am happy to inform you that in Ondo State, we are aggressively driving our non-oil related industries.” He said.
Speaking on his plans for Agriculture development, Akeredolu said his state fed the Western region during the first republic and he’s poised to bring back the last glory.
“It is no longer news that Ondo state accounts for over 40% of Nigeria’s annual cocoa output, however we process less than 2% of our cocoa output. Additionally, Ondo state is also a major player in other agricultural produce in tree crops such as: oil palm, rubber, cashew and kolanut; also arable crops such as: cassava, yam, maize, rice, sugarcane; fruit crops such as: pineapple, citrus, mango, pepper and tomato are all cultivated in abundance in Ondo State.
“Our Special focus is on our comparative advantage in agriculture, which are palm oil and cocoa. We want to develop our palm oil to the extent where we have a self-sustaining palm oil industry. We fed the western region during the first republic and I can assure you that we will do it again.
“Meanwhile, we will not leave out rice production in Ondo state. It will interest you to know that our Rice paddies are taken all the way to Lagos or Kogi by our farmers to be processed because we don’t have any rice mill in the State. To complement the production effort of the farmers, the State plans to setup specialized Staple Crop Processing Zones (SCPZ) for these crops to enable investments in the production of finished products ready for export.
Akeredolu also announced to the gathering that his state has signed a MoU with Ministry of Niger/Delta and NDDC for the funding of 50km Araromi road in Ilaje LGA of the state to Ibeju/Lekki, Lagos aimed towards business development.
He disclosed that his state will soon sign partnership with the private sector to empower about 10,000 youths and women in agric business through a #15billion Employment Trust Fund.
Additionally, the Governor declared the intention of his administration to build Innovation Centres across the state to serve as magnet for the youths who are high-end-thinkers to birth new ideas in partnership with the largest technology companies such as Microsoft, Google, Main One Cable, SAP etc.
Dignitaries at event included the Deputy governor of the state, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde ,the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale; the head of service, Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Investment, Mr. Boye Oyewumi and many others.
Others on the delegation of the Federal were the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani, the representative of Minister of Mines and Steels Development, Egnr. Mohammed Amate, Minister of State for Niger/Delta Affairs, Professor Cladius Daramola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters, Mrs Fola Oyeyinka, National Coordinator, Senior Investment Corporation, Dora Akugbulo, NNPC’s Director of Energy, Mr. Isa Abdullahi among others.
The personal assistant to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State on General Administration and Stomach Infrastructure, Mr. Sunshine Anifowose has described the media report authored by the Chairman of the State Chapter of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Mr Tunde Ogunlola that himself and seven other aides and associates of his boss are security threat, as unfounded, baseless and unsubstantiated.
In a statement personally signed by Anifowose and given to our correspondent in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, he alleged that Ogunlola was instigated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to issue the statement just to rubbish the recent statement credited to the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of South West, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo that Ekiti State has the lowest crime rate in Nigeria.
Anifowose who described himself as a responsible man from a reputable family, said unlike Ekiti under the immediate past Governor, Kayode Fayemi that witnessed about ten political killings and violence, the state under his boss, Fayose, has been very peaceful and orderly, just as recently posited by the Nigeria Police.
The statement reads: “Acting the already prepared script of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, one Mr. Tunde Ogunlola, who claimed to be the Chairman of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Ekiti State, on Saturday the 9th of June, 2016, in a petition dispatched to the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Idris Ibrahim and the Director General of the Directorate of State Services, DSS, Alhaji Lawal Daura, described my humble self, Sunshine Anifowose and seven other aides and associates of the Governor as threat to the security of our dear State.
“As long as i would have loved to ignore this imaginary tale, however, the concerns so far shown by my friends and family members’ within and outside the shore of Nigeria necessitated this rebuttal.
“I want to say explicitly for posterity, that firstly, this accusation against my esteemed person is an outstanding lie from the pit of hell. This is an attempt to tarnish my irrefutable integrity. Let me say for the sake of emphasis that i am a responsible man from a reputable family.
“I am known for zero tolerance for gangsterism, hooliganism and violence. I have never been arrested by nor detained by or at any police formation in the country neither have i ever been charged to any court for any crime or been remanded in any prison custody within or outside Nigeria.
“I want to put it to Mr. Tunde Ogunlola and his paymasters that their latest petition is a satanic attempt to rubbish the statement credited to the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of South West, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo on June 1st 2016 as published by virtually all Newspapers in Nigeria that Ekiti State, under the leadership of my boss, Dr. Peter Ayo Fayose, has the lowest crime rate in Nigeria.
“I say without gainsay that we in the Fayose’s political camp align ourselves with the position of DIG Adebanjo on the state of security in Ekiti State. It is on record that ever since Fayose became Governor 30 months ago; our state has not witnessed any political killing neither has any opposition gladiator or member been attacked, assaulted or molested by any agent of the incumbent for political reason.
“Also, compared to other states of the federation, our state has the lowest cases of armed robbery and kidnapping in Nigeria. Also, violent demonstrations and communal clash are not synonymous to our state.
“I therefore advice the police and DSS to place APC leaders, especially, Tunde Ogunlola, the state publicity secretary of the party, Taiwo Olatunbosun and their cronies in Ekiti on security watch because from our past experience, their modus operandi is that they always accuse people of whatever evil plans they plan to perpetrate.
“I reiterate the fact that Gov. Fayose is the father of all in Ekiti at the moment. He respects the Elders, the traditional institutions and the rights of the people to associate. When Fayemi was to be made Minister, Fayose called on Senators from Ekiti State to ensure that he’s cleared without any hindrance.”
Anifowose said that despite the barrage of insults being passed against Fayose daily on Social Media, Newspapers, TV and Radio by some APC Governorship Aspirants and their supporters, the Governor has refused to be provoked.
The Governor’s aide stated that opposition members have been coming to Ado-Ekiti, the state capital to hold rallies even against the electoral law without being attacked.
The Federal Government has earmarked additional funds to scale up mining activities from its current zero level in the country, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said.
Fayemi said on Tuesday in Enugu at a meeting with stakeholders in the mining industry, that the fund would be used to support small scale miners.
The minister disclosed that the government would also support the miners with technology and mining equipment.
According to him, the government will ensure the safety of communities where mining is taking place and ensure that all abandoned mine sites are reclaimed.
He said that government also plans to address areas ravaged by erosion, especially in the southeast, due to mining activities.
The minister said some of the challenges confronting the ministry were lack of sufficient geological data, funding, illegal mining and inadequate infrastructure.
According to Fayemi, insufficient geological data about mineral quantity, the reserve, commercial viability had affected the sector over the years, adding that the ministry is working out modality to solve the challenge.
He said the tension between states and Federal Government over rights to land resources would soon be resolved.
The minister noted that majority mining operators in Enugu State were operating illegally and warned them to regularise their operations or be prosecuted.
“The same thing was discovered in Abia and Anambra; even those with licenses are not using them, this will make the ministry to counsel or revoke their licenses and give them to serious minded miners.”
The News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] reports that Fayemi and his Minister of State are on a nationwide tour to all mine sites to build stakeholders confidence, get feedback, identify challenges and proffer solutions.
The ministers have so far visited Kaduna, Lagos, Ogun, Nasarawa, Benue and Enugu states.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has commiserated with the family of Sen. Isiaka Adeleke on the passing of the colorful politician on Sunday.
Fayemi, in a statement by Mr Olayinka Oyebode, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, described the news of the death of the first Executive Governor of Osun as shocking and saddening.
He also described the late Senator Adeleke as a highly resourceful and colorful politician; a grassroots mobiliser, who related well with both the low and the mighty.
“Sen. Adeleke’s death is both shocking and saddening; a leader who was well loved and respected by his people, because he was ever in touch with them and identified with their aspirations.
“In spite of his privileged background, Sen. Adeleke made the masses the focus of his political activities, through which he earned their admiration and massive support.
“Through this he taught a lesson in political tolerance and in putting the people first; Nigeria has indeed lost a star, a committed patriot and strategic team player in the Nigerian project.”
The minister said that only God knows why he had to go at this time and we could only submit to God’s will and appreciate him for the good life Sen. Adeleke lived.
He prayed that God grants his soul eternal rest and his family, the fortitude to bear the loss.
Sen. Adeleke, until his death on Sunday in Osogbo after a brief illness was the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator representing Osun West Senatorial district in the National Assembly.
