Oyo Govt To Partner Local Miners To Promote Investments In Oyo State – Chairman Mineral Resources Dev Agency, Abiodun Oni
By Henry Odeh
The current administration in Oyo state under the leadership of governor Seyi Makinde has persistently emphasized its passion and determination to position Oyo state among the global investment destination for both local and foreign investors. In light of this, the state government through the office of the Oyo state Chairman, mineral resources development agency, Mr. Abiodun Oni has since assumption of office, been going round the state on different tours for on the spot assessment of true situation of things, in order to ascertain the strength and grey areas that require strengthen so as to properly position the state as a global investment destination.
The Chairman of the agency, Mr. Abiodun Oni in company of top officials from the agency was at a strategic stakeholders meeting organized by the Association of Oyo state Miners held at the federal secretariat, Ibadan last weekend.
Mr Oni expressed optimism in the economic blueprint of governor Seyi Makinde and the administration’s determination to end the era of lip, service which is believed would bring about practical results in the coming years, also in attendance at the stakeholders meeting are Prince Dele Ayanleke who is the Secretary- General Mines Association of Nigeria, Engr Niran Ajibade CEO Archietype Mines, officials from the ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, as well as local investors.
The association decried several challenges bedevilling the local industry to include but not limited to security, ease of doing business in Nigeria, high cost of minning, access to funding, proper regulation, and foreign dominance among others.
One of the participant, Mr. Bamidele Aderemi however noted that agitation regarding provision of adequate security measures is one of the cardinal issue to be given top priorities if meaningful impact is to be achieved by the government. Another participant, Mr. Popoola Waheed Abioye expressed delight in the commitment and dedication of governor Makinde towards investment promotion in the state, noting that the governor has started on a good footing and it is expected that he will continue in the same path.
The Oyo state chairman, Mineral Resource Development Agency, Mr. Abiodun Oni in his remark noted that governor Makinde is not just about talking alone, he said the governor has a well articulated economic blueprint that has a 100% rate of achievability noting that one of the critical sectors to be given immediate priority is the minning industry following the mandate given to the agency by the executive governor. He stated further that the problem of access to funds is not peculiar to the minning industry alone as it also applies to the oil and gas industry.
He noted that there is absolutely no time to waste because government is working based on its plans and projections within a time frame, stressing that Oyo state government will create a synergy and partnership with the association and other stakeholders to give all players including old and new comers the necessary boost to operate optimally. He therefore, appealed for the full support of all stakeholders and investors on behalf of the Oyo state government as it continues on its drive to open up the industry in Oyo state for more entry by both local and foreign investors.
