Osun: Traditional ruler commends Gov. Oyetola’s efforts on gold mining

The Alakola of Ikola-Ijesa in Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Festus Adeyemi, on Sunday commended Gov. Gboyega Oyetola for his efforts at diversifying the state’s economy through mining.

Oba Adeyemi noted that the financial growth from gold mining in the state would outshine the over-reliance of the nation’s economy on crude exports.

The traditional ruler made the remarks at an engagement organised by Osun State’s Civic Engagement Centre at Ikola-Ijesa.

Oba Adeyemi commended Oyetola for minimising illegal gold mining in Osun State.

He said with current efforts at sanitising the sector gold would soon be better than crude oil as revenue earner.

“I commend the governor for taking mining from artisanal level to the corporate level with the involvement of private sector players coming for exploration and exportation.

“This will have a positive effect on the economy of the state because with the current efforts of the governor gold will be our own oil in Osun state in the next few years.

“Our state will be known for major supply of gold in Nigeria and around the world,” he said.

Oba Adeyemi also commended the governor’s efforts in the areas of health, infrastructure, agriculture and education.

Responding, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, Special Adviser on Civic Engagement to Gov. Oyetola said Osun State has large deposits of solid minerals such as gold, lead, zinc, quartz and feldspar.

He said his principal, whom he represented at the occasion was poised to invest in the resources for the growth of the economy.

Oyintiloye said the state government was prepared to partner with willing investors to exploit the state’s solid minerals.

“We are also collaborating with the Federal Government on mining.

“Our state is one of the two states, along with Kebbi State, selected as pilot states for the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative,” he said.

He also commended the mining company operating in the state for maintaining cordial relationship with the host community and pledged government’s support for the company to ensure it operates at optimal level.