The Federal Government has imposed an indefinite cessation on mining endeavors within the vicinity of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Osun State. This move comes in the wake of ongoing investigations into suspected illegal mining activities in the region.
According to a statement by Mr. Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the directive was issued by Dr. Dele Alake following a consultation with OAU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, and the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi.
Dr. Alake underscored that the decision was prompted by media reports highlighting potential illegal mining operations near the university premises. He stated, “In response to the concerns raised by reports of unauthorized mining or suspected illicit activities by mining operators within OAU, we promptly dispatched officials from the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and Mines Inspectorate for an on-the-ground evaluation.” Preliminary findings indicated ongoing activities in the vicinity, prompting the ministry to halt all operations, pending further scrutiny.
Furthermore, Dr. Alake elucidated that the purported operators of these illicit activities presented licenses and consent letters, necessitating deeper investigations to verify their authenticity. Consequently, university authorities were summoned for deliberations.
Prof. Adebayo Bamire, the OAU Vice-Chancellor, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s dedication to sectoral advancement. He emphasized the university’s potential to actively engage in exploration, research, and other facets of the mining value chain. “We boast some of the nation’s finest geologists and mining professionals. Establishing a top-tier research and training facility on mineral resources within the university would greatly benefit our community, the state, and bolster the mining sector’s growth,” he remarked.
Additionally, Prof. Bamire hinted at the university’s pursuit of an exploration license, anticipating its approval. This, he believes, will empower the institution to conduct thorough exploration, assess the distribution and quality of mineral resources within its environs, and nationwide.
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