By joshua 
Diversifying Kogi’s Economy using Solid Minerals, Appraising Gov. Ododo’s Steps Thus Far. (Part 1)
Is a commentary written by Abu Micheal, Journalist and Social Commentator.
The need for Nigeria and States in the Federation to begin to think of diversifying their economies away from oil, a commodity that is very unstable, has now become a matter of priority.
This is because diversification has now remained crucial for achieving long-term stability, sustainable development, and resilience against global market fluctuations in the Oil market.
Without mincing words, over the years, Government at National and Sub National levels, whenever there is a sudden drop in oil prices, have witnessed significant decrease in government revenue, requiring cuts in public spending and potentially hindering economic growth.
Oil-dependent economies therefore face risks due to fluctuating oil prices and potential declines in demand, making it essential to develop alternative sources of income and growth.
All over the world, diversification lead to a more robust and adaptable economy, better equipped to navigate economic challenges and create a wider range of opportunities.
An introspection into the administration of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo, since assumption of office, with the view to taking a look at his efforts at diversification, with focus on the Solid Minerals and Natural Resources subsector, seems to be already yielding positive impact, making it heart rendering, another hope rising for the people of Kogi State.
It is no longer in doubt that Kogi State has over 32 mineral deposits, all in commercial quantities that has made it a sleeping giant over the years. Though richly endowed with diverse Solid Minerals, these minerals have been deposited for over Million of Years, making the state a Significant Player in the Mining industry and in the economy of Nigeria but with little or nothing to show for it until the coming of the present administration in the State.
Since coming on board, Gov. Ododo, has through deliberate effort, kick started the unveiling of the Kogi State Hidden Treasure, a Hub for Solid Mineral Raw Materials, with passion that has remained unwaivering.
Located in the Central Region of Nigeria. Created on 27th August, 1996, Kogi State has a land mass area. approximately 30,354.74 Square kilometers, the lands Geological properties is characterized by Precambrian Rock, Sedimentary Rock, and Volcanic Rocks (Igara hills).
This unique State is bordered by 9 States, which gives its a strategic position in the Nation’s economy System. The economic activities of the boarder State’s also influences and affects Kogi state directly or indirectly. Kogi State is driven by Mining, Agriculture and Manufacturing activities.
Kogi state has a long history of Solid Minerals, Raw material extraction as the 1st Capital of the Nigeria dating back to the Colonial Era. The State diverse and Rich Mineral deposit were first exploited by the British Colonial Authorities, who extracted Tin, Columbite and other Minerals, but all these mining activities declined after Nigeria got her independence, but in recent years a resurgence of interest in the sector has resurfaced, with much emphasis by the administration of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo.
Kogi State rich geological heritage and diverse mineral deposits makes it an important player in the country’s Mining sector, a reason Gov. Ododo saw, that has driving his passion.
Over the years, inadequate funding, Poor infrastructure, Environmental challenges amongst several others has limited previous administration’s in the State from gainfully using the Solid Minerals resources Kogi is blessed with in achieving diversification.
All of these set backs seem to have been gradually overcomed with the advent of the Gov. Ododo’s administration, as he has not only made it clear and loud, the political will he has exuded, has made the Solid Minerals Sector, no longer business as usual.
The Governor’s appointment of Engr. Bashiru Abubakar Gegu, as Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, has also proven to be the game changer for the Sector, proven to be a round peg in a round hole.
Since his assumption to the Ministry, Engr. Gegu, a Chemical Engineer by Profession, has no doubt served in propelling the efforts of Gov. Ododo in the
diversification of State’s economy.
The Commissioner has not shied away from the fact that the Solid Minerals Sector has the propensity to contribute significantly to the State’s GDP, Job creation and Export earnings.
This he has explained for the uptheenth time that it will encourage the development of various industries, such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and technology for which Kogi has comparative advantage.
Engr. Gegu has always believed that diversification would foster a more balanced and sustainable growth model for Kogi State.
It is therefore worthy of commendation that under the leadership of Gov. Ododo, the State has witnessed an increased investment, attracting local and foreign investment to the sector like never before.
Similarly, there has been an improved regulation with effective laws and enforcement to ensure sustainability.
Furthermore, is the Infrastructural development in the area of upgrading infrastructure to support mining activities in the State.
There has also been a deliberate strategy, collaborative efforts, working with Mining Companies to compliment the efforts of both Federal and State Government in the achievement of a sustainable development of the Solid Mineral Sector.
Not too long ago, Gov. Ododo returned from an investment trip, where he painstaking engaged reputable Chinese Mining firms.
Few days ago it would be recalled, that the ripple effect of the trip have started to manifesting with the coming of China Power Team, a Team of firms that got marvelled at the prospects of the State Solid Minerals.
There is therefore no doubt that Gov. Ododo’s, political will, has propelled the Solid Mineral Sector in Kogi State, with rich history, diverse Mineral deposits, and significant potential for growth.
That Gov. Ododo is addressing the challenges he met in the Solid Minerals Sector of the State more than any administration is no longer in doubt.
Gov. Ododo by all intent and purposes, has reawakened the State sleeping giant that has over the years been lying dormant to one of a work in progress, by leveraging the opportunities, towards unlocking the sector’s full potential and to contribute to the state’s economic development and Nigeria industrialization, deserves commendation.
The effort of Gov. Ododo when it fully comes to fruition, will not only mitigate risks from Oil Price volatility, change the Oil-dependent economy of the State, that is highly susceptible to fluctuations in global oil prices, it will promote sustainable growth and over-reliance on oil. A factor that can stifle the development of other sectors and limit long-term economic potentials of the State.
In the context of Kogi State, diversification is particularly important. The State has long been dependent on oil revenue, and the challenges associated with this reliance have become increasingly evident. Diversifying the economy away from oil is crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, reducing vulnerability to global price fluctuations, and creating a more prosperous future for all the State.
Diversifying Kogi’s Economy using Solid Minerals, Appraising Gov. Ododo’s Steps Thus Far, is a commentary written by Abu Micheal, Journalist and Social Commentator and read from our studio.