Nigeria is enriched with over forty (40) types of minerals including marble, limestone, lithium, silver, granite, gold, gemstones, bentonite, iron ore and the juicy petroleum. Amongst these resources, Kogi State is blessed with 29 mineral resources available in commercial quantities, waiting for exploration.
The state’s agitation to be recognize as an oil producing state started decades ago following the discovery of OPL 915, 916 and 917 respectively. Former Governors; Ichala Wada, Ibrahim Idris, and even the late Audu Abubakar played major roles to ensure justice as to who owns the oil wells. The boundary dispute between Anambra and Kogi waxed stronger as time progresses, and battle for supremacy has claimed many lives.
Fast forward to present day, we thank God that through the efforts of the people’s Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Kogi is being considered an oil producing state, and this is a laudable and commendable achievement and a big plus to the good people of Kogi State.
The government of President Jonathan on 30th of August 2012 recognized erroneously Anambra as an oil producing state. As a result of that, it sparked a lot of violent protests in Kogi and Enugu states who were part owners of this oil, OPL 915, 916 and 917.
As a result of the violent protests in these states, former President Jonathan’s administration called to a round table on31st of October 2012 the (then) governor of Anambra state, Dr. Peter Obi; (then Governor) Capt. Idris Wada of Kogi and the (then) Deputy Governor of Enugu State to resolve the issue. A resolution emerged from the meeting and the National Boundary Commission (NBC) was brought in to investigate the dispute.
Anambra’s oil status was then withdrawn, pending when the NBC makes an appropriate recommendation for the Federal Government to work with.
It is a thing of joy that the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello has been able to fight this battle to a rewarding stage. I commend the efforts of Governor Bello, previous Governors of the state, past and present lawmakers who has contributed tremendously to ensure that what belongs to Kogi stays in Kogi.
The people of Kogi State are happy, and more confident in Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration to continue with the delivery of dividends of democracy and restoration of all lost glories of the state. Kogites are now more proud than ever, to say “I am from Kogi State.”
Kelvin Oluseyi Eleta
Writer, Author, Content Developer.
Abuja, Nigeria.