By joshua 
Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo’s Model, Using Solid Minerals To Build Kogi’s Economic Transformation. (Part 2)
Is a commentary written by Abu Micheal, Journalist and Social Commentator.
Recently, Kogi State was in the news for acquiring 15 Mining licence to tap mineral resources in strategic mineral deposits within Kogi State.
Since his coming on board, Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo has not mince words that Governance in the State would no longer be business as usual.
Over the years, there has been a defeaning call for Nigeria and States in the Federation to begin to think of diversifying their economies away from oil owing to the unstable nature of the commodity and international market pricing.
There is no gainsaying in the fact that from infrastructure, workers welfare, equity, fairness and justice, Kogi people have a new story of we have never had it this good, because the administration of Gov. Ododo has proven sincere leadership with human face solutions and policies.
The mining license granted Kogi State gives the State the legal right to explore for and extract minerals from specific areas, offering various benefits which include the ability to legally extract and sell minerals, contributing to economic development through job creation and revenue generation.
Additionally, a mining licenses often come with certain tax incentives and exemptions, and can be recognized as an intangible asset with potential economic value.
Other detailed benefits of mining license includes: Legal Right to Extract and Sell Mineral, leading to Economic Development by significantly creating jobs and generating revenue for the government through taxes and royalties.
The Mining license will also stimulate local economies through the increased demand for goods and services in mining communities.
Mining licenses often come with tax benefits, such as exemptions from certain taxes or tax holidays, encourage investment in the sector. These incentives can reduce the financial burden on mining companies and make projects more viable.
Similarly, the mining license as acquired by the State Government is an Intangible Asset because it provides the right to extract resources with economic value.
Aside Community Engagement and Development, through CSR initiatives and development agreements. This helps to ensure that the benefits of mining are shared with the communities where operations take place and minimizes potential conflicts.
In order to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on federal allocation, the federal government granted Kogi State Government a total of 15 mining licences as requested by Gov Ododo to enable the State exploit its rich solid mineral resources.
This strategic move by the administration of Gov Ododo is geared towards boosting the state’s economy and rapid development as over the years it has relied only on revenue allocation from the Federation account allocation committee, that is always unrealistic and unstable.
That Kogi is at the centre of Nigeria’s solid minerals map with 32 minerals in commercial quantity, means that if fully utilized and harnessed, the optimum use of the Licenses can help in not only transformation of the State local economy but the nation at large.
One of the key steps the administration of Gov Ododo has taken towards ensuring that the mining license is well harness is in procuring of modern mining machinery for the Kogi State Mineral Processing Company.
This initiative is designed to facilitate the processing of various minerals extracted from the state, thereby adding value to the God given resources and contributing to industrialization.
By equipping the company, the State Government has enhanced the efficiency of the State mining operations and ensuring that it aligns with global best practices in the mining industry.
The licenses granted the State Government cover some of the most valuable and untapped resources, including limestone, coal, tin, iron ore, and bauxite.
With these licenses, Gov. Ododo has laid a strong foundation for sustainable mining operations that will create jobs, generate revenue, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.
The turning point under the Gov. Ododo’s leadership, is the fact that the Executive arm of the Kogi State government is working with the state Assembly to enact laws towards prohibition of illegal mining, strengthen artisanal and small-scale mining, address environmental degradation, and ensure sustainable mining practices in the state. This effort of the state government includes targeting 25,000 youths for training and engagement in the mineral and mining sector.
The over dependence on oil to the detriment of other economic potentials by previous administration, has therefore called for an urgent reversal by developing the metals and solid minerals sectors.
This singular commitment of Gov Ododo for the State to tap into the solid Minerals sector will not only boost employment, improve living standards, it will create opportunities in other critical industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
That Gov. Ododo is using Solid Minerals To Build Kogi’s Economic Transformation, is a feat that is commendable as in a matter of days, the State will begin to witness the transformational leadership being demonstrated by Gov. Ododo.
With the support of Hon. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, the State Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, the Solid Minerals sector has now become the new bride for increased revenue generation and investment opportunities.
Since his appointment, Engr. Bashiru Gegu has taken bold and deliberate steps that have already repositioned Kogi as a serious contender in Nigeria’s economic diversification drive.
Securing 15 federal mining licenses for the state – covering strategic minerals like limestone, iron ore, coal, tin, and bauxite – to equipping the Kogi State Mineral Processing Company with modern mining machinery, is a clear fact that Engr. Bashiru Gegu is not just filling a position but fulfilling a purpose and meeting with the objectives of Gov. Ododo’s blueprint for good governance.
These licenses procured by the State Government are not just mere papers; they are tickets to wealth creation, industrialization, and job opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians.
Gov. Ododo’s effort reflects a clear understanding that the solid minerals sector can be more than a revenue spinner- it can be a platform for innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.
The long-term implication of the strategic positioning of the Kogi State Solid Minerals Sector, becoming a hub for mining and industrial activity, will inevitably attract investors and create demand for skilled manpower.
Kogi, under Gov. Ododo is now being deliberately marketed as open for Business for local and foreign investors who are beginning to take notice. The Governor’s recent economic trip to China as well as the arrival of China Power Team, a Team of firms engaged in solid Minerals exploration speaks volumes.
That Gov. Ododo’s political will at driving the development in the Solid Minerals Sector is already yielding visible results, is a trajectory that must be sustained.
It is without stating the obvious that very soon, Kogi will soon become Nigeria’s top destination for mining investment – a development that will not only boost state revenue but provide a future of gainful employment for State teeming youths and beyond.
The Kogi State Government investment in Solid Minerals development is therefore very crucial to achieving long-term financial stability, sustainable development, and resilience against global market fluctuations.
Oil-dependent economies face risks due to fluctuating oil prices and potential declines in demand, making it essential to develop alternative sources of income and growth.
This Diversification will therefore lead to a more robust and adaptable economy, better equipped to navigate economic challenges and create a wider range of opportunities.
Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo’s Model, Using Solid Minerals To Build Kogi’s Economic Transformation. (Part 2) is a commentary written by Abu Micheal, Journalist and Social Commentator will be read on Radio Kogi Studio by 6:45am On Wednesday.