By joshua 
Gov. Ododo’s approach of charting new pattern for economic development using Solid Minerals ( Part 3)
Is a commentary written by Abu Micheal, Journalist and Social Commentator.
It is no no longer news that Government at all levels are beginning to look in the direction of investments.
This investment is not necessarily the usual reliance on revenue allocation from the Federation account, levies and taxes that usually bring hardship on the citizenry, but other measures that will add more resources to a State for more development outside earnings from oil revenue.
The need to look inward at what Government can do to boost their revenues without necessarily adding more pressure on the monolithic income and stretching the citizens beyond limits is becoming increasingly loud.
Since his assumption of office as Executive Governor of Kogi State, Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo has proven to be a game changer.
The present administration has shown with all sincerity of purpose, policies and programs geared towards reducing economic hardship on the people of Kogi State.
From education to health, agriculture and equitable distribution of basic infrastructure, the administration of Gov Ododo has no doubt proven that it is the Messiah that Kogi people have been yearning for.
From all available data, the administration of Gov Ododo is laying the solid foundation of breaking away from the past, that using the Solid Minerals subsector, the State has the capacity to complement the over reliance on allocation from the centre.
Gov. Ododo has proven above board by maintaining the sanctity of his oath of office, working for the welfare of the people. Reason why from Koton karfe to Egbe, Ankpa to Okene, all across the State that a new wind is blowing across the land.
From all intent and purposes, Gov. Ododo is setting templates that is becoming an example for other states with the recent application and approval of 15 mining licenses the State recently acquired, having applied and got approval from the Federal government.
Aside creating jobs and improving on the revenue of the State,
Gov. Ododo’s diversification efforts when fully operational, using the solid minerals subsector, will boost the revenue and economic development of the State.
Some of the potential strategies the Ododo’s administration has applied thus far includes: Identifying and the development of Minerals resources unique to the state.
Investment in value-added processing and manufacturing
Attracting foreign investment and partnerships through economic shuttles to China, United Arab Emirate amongst other countries that has made successes in diversification.
Developing the State’s infrastructure to support mining and Mineral processing with the procurement of modern machinery for solid Minerals processing.
Creating jobs and training programs for 250 Youths and local communities to drive self reliance and empowerment of the citizens.
Gov. Ododo has not shied away from the fact that Kogi State blessed, with over 32 Solid Minerals such as Iron ore, Copper, Gold, Limestone, Bitumen can drive economic development.
The present administration in the State is therefore leveraging on it Natural resources to Generate revenue through royalties and taxes, Create employment opportunities, Stimulate local economies, Attract new businesses and investments
With its comparative advantage in rich Mineral deposits such as Iron ore, Coal, Limestone, Marble, Gold, Bitumen amongst several others, Kogi State under the amiable leadership of Gov. Ododo is focusing on it God given resources by developing its mining infrastructure, Encouraging value-added processing and manufacturing, Attracting investments and partnerships, creating jobs and training programs for locals.
One very important aspect of the Governor Ododo’s administration that has made it stand out is in identifying men and women who are round pegs in round holes to work with.
One of such men that has become a shining example and who have added value to the administration of Gov Ododo, is Engr Bashiru Gegu.
The professional Chemical Engineer of repute with vast experience in mining activities over the years has brought his rich knowledge, experience and technical knowhow to bear.
Since his appointment as Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr Bashiru Gegu, has proven without mincing words that he is a man who knows his onions.
Without mincing words, the Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, under Engr. Bashiru Gegu is fulfilling it primary responsibilities of developing and regulating the solid Minerals Sector.
It is therefore not an accident, that Gov. Ododo, through the Commissioner, has always reiterated that diversification of the State economy will take priority place.
With the efforts of the Commissioner, Gov. Ododo has ensured that the exploration, exploitation, and the overall contribution of the Solid Minerals sector to the State’s economy remains an objectives that must be pursued to the latter.
The State Ministry of Solid Minerals has enabled the formulation of policies, providing information for investment, regulating operations, and helping to generate revenue for the government, a task Engr Bashiru Gegu is passionate about and must be accomplished, deserves commendation.
The Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals as at today has remained focused on developing manpower, promoting sustainable environmental practices, thus fostering both local and international partnerships.
Engr Bashiru Gegu’s giant strides ingenuity has no doubt created the enabling environment for Small-Scale Mining operators on exploration, exploitation, mineral processing, entrepreneurial training, environment to thrive.
The Ministry is equally reputed to be helping to unlock the economic potentials the State solid Minerals sub-sector is blessed with.
It is therefore the strong positive expectation of the people of Kogi State who are highly elated by the development the Solid Minerals Sector is witnessing to conclude that very soon, when the dividends begin to pour in in torrents, that the State would have finally bid bye bye to over dependence on revenue allocation from oil that is not flexible, unstable and unrealistic to chat a new part of sustainable development.
Gov. Ododo’s approach charting new pattern for economic development using Solid Minerals ( Part 3) is a commentary written by Abu Micheal, Journalist and Social Commentator and read from our studio.