By joshua 
Celebrating 34 Years of Progress: Kogi State’s Solid Minerals Sector Shines
As we commemorate the 34th anniversary of Kogi State’s creation, I, Engr. Abubakar Muhammed Bashir Gegu, Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, extend warm felicitations to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the entire people of Kogi State. This milestone celebration marks a significant chapter in our state’s history, and it’s fitting to reflect on the progress we’ve made in the solid minerals sector.
Under Governor Ododo’s leadership, our ministry has achieved tremendous growth, with notable strides in developing the solid minerals sector. Some of our key achievements include:
– *Securing Mining and Exploration Licenses*: We’ve secured 15 exploration licenses with 15 existing licenses spread across the state bringing it to 30 licenses of different minerals across the state enabling us to begin large-scale exploration and mining operations.
– *Acquiring State-of-the-Art Equipment*: We’ve acquired 30 tons haul trucks, excavators, and payloaders to facilitate efficient extraction and processing of our mineral resources.
– *Oil Production*: Kogi State has emerged as a significant oil-producing state, with efforts ongoing to attract investors to our oilfield in Ibaji LGA. The state government has also established the State Oil Producing Area Commission to regulate oil-producing activities.
– *Minerals Exploration and Reserve Estimations*: We’ve engaged the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency to conduct minerals exploration and reserve estimations, which will help us determine the reserves, quantities, and values of our minerals.
Our administration is committed to harnessing the full potential of Kogi State’s vast mineral resources, including gold, lithium, coal, and limestone. We’re focused on:
– *Job Creation*: Empowering 25,000 youths through direct participation in the mining value chain, providing training and skill-building opportunities in mining safety standards, environmental compliance, and entrepreneurship.
– *Economic Diversification*: Reducing dependence on federal allocations by generating internally generated revenue through sustainable mining practices.
– *Economic Growth*: Unlocking the full potential of our solid minerals to drive sustainable economic growth and development.
As we celebrate our 34th anniversary, we’re optimistic about the future of Kogi State. The administration of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for investors, promoting transparency, and ensuring compliance with global best practices. We’re poised to become a model for other subnational governments in Nigeria, leveraging natural resources to build a self-sustaining economy while addressing unemployment and social inequality.
*Happy 34th Anniversary, Kogi State!* We’re excited about the prospects of our state and look forward to a brighter future under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Ododo. With our collective efforts, we’re confident that Kogi State will become a hub for solid minerals development, driving economic growth and prosperity for all.