Fayemi seeks collaboration on mining, agric

Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has expressed the need for collaboration to ensure that mining and agriculture contribute optimally to the nation’s economy.

Fayemi, who spoke against the backdrop of the third edition of the meeting of the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development, which will take place in the state between Wednesday and Friday, said the meeting would, among other things, review current trends in the mining and minerals sector of the economy.

The governor said, “The importance of the council meeting cannot be over-emphasised in order to ensure the country reaps bountifully from the present administration’s huge investments in agriculture and mining to grow the economy and create jobs.”

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, no fewer than 3,000 critical stakeholders in the mining sector, drawn from the 36 states, will converge on Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, for the meeting.

The statement read, “The meeting will also examine challenges of informal mining activities for improved revenue generation as well as infrastructure gaps in the sector, among others.”

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, and the Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Dr Uchechukwu Ogah, according to the statement, will lead state commissioners and permanent secretaries to the meeting.

The third edition of the NCMMRD has the theme ‘Nigeria minerals and metal sector: Spectrum for investment opportunities for economic growth and development’ and will hosted by the Ekiti State Government.