By joshua 
Opportunity meeting preparation, Engr. Gegu’s success story, repositioning Kogi’s Solid Minerals Development Ministry.
By Abu Micheal
Engr. Bashiru Gegu, Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources in Kogi State, has been making waves in the Mining Sector with his innovative approach to repositioning the Ministry.
Under his leadership, the ministry has embarked on an ambitious journey to unlock the state’s economic potential by harnessing its vast solid mineral resources.
Some of the key Initiatives includes:
Mineral Characterization and Reserve Estimation: The ministry has commenced mineral characterization and reserve estimation, a crucial step in determining the economic viability of mining projects.
This process involves identifying the types of minerals present, analyzing their chemical composition, and assessing their grade, quality, and potential contaminants.
Secondly, the Acquisition of Mineral Titles: The state government has acquired 30 mineral titles spread across the 21 Local Government Areas, doubling the number of titles from 15 to 30. This move is expected to boost the state’s revenue base and economic growth.
He has equally modernized Mining Operations: The Ministry has procured high-grade excavators, loaders, and dump trucks to strengthen mining operations and compete effectively with private companies.
The Kogi State Partnership with NGSA: The state government has partnered with the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to carry out mineral characterization and reserve estimation.
The impact of the efforts of the Commissioner has led to Increased Revenue: The acquisition of mineral titles and modernization of mining operations are expected to increase the state’s revenue base and reduce dependence on oil.
Similarly, Job Creation: The ministry’s efforts are expected to create job opportunities and stimulate industrialization in the state.
Furthermore, the Commissioner’s initiative has led to Economic Growth: The state’s economy is expected to grow significantly as the ministry’s initiatives attract investors and stimulate economic activity.
For Engr. Bashiru Gegu, all of these accomplishments would not have happened without the Governor’s Support:
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has expressed commitment to harnessing the state’s natural resources to reduce reliance on federal allocations.
The governor believes that the state’s mineral resources must work for its people, maintaining that there’s no reason for Kogi to be poor.
It is heart warming that under the administration of Gov Ododo, with the right peg in the right hole as Commissioner, Engr Bashiru Gegu, has proven that rare men abound who can make things work better, when giving the opportunity and necessary political will. The success story of the Commissioner is a case of opportunity meeting with preparation.