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Tinubu Reads Riot Act, Promises To Sanitize Mining Sector

Published

3 years ago

November 1, 2023

By Joel Ajayi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned private companies and public servants cutting corners in the solid minerals sector that to stop or face the wrath of the law.

Addressing participants at the 2nd edition of the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) in Abuja yesterday, the president disclosed that while the government welcomes genuine investors who share the administration’s vision, it would punish economic saboteurs hindering ease of doing business and efforts to enable the sector support the transformation of the economy.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Towards a Just Transition”, President Bola Tinibu emphasized the essence of mobilizing the country’s natural resources for the development of the people.

Represented by the Secretary to the Federal government, Dr. George Akume, the president revealed that

Dr. Oladele Alake was appointed Minister of Solid Minerals to sanitize the sector assuring that the Federal Executive Council adopted his seven-point agenda to turn around the industry.

President Tinubu also encouraged the governors to forge a common front with the Federal Government to increase the contribution of mining to the economy advising governors to resist the temptation to interfere in legitimate businesses of licensed operators.

Welcoming the President, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr.Oladele Alake thanked the president for the robust support of the ministry, assuring that the ministry shall execute its mandate efficiently.

He emphasized the relevance of the event to the administration’s resolve to diversify the nation’s energy sources, promote renewable energy, and implement energy efficiency measures.

” At the heart of this summit, we find the idea of a “Just Transition. ” This concept calls for us to ensure that as we shift towards more sustainable practices in natural resource development and energy production, no one is left behind. The just transition is about recognizing the needs of our workforce, communities, and economies that have long depended on traditional energy sources to establish and consolidate the forces of fostering inclusivity, providing alternatives, and equitably distributing the benefits of this transformation”.

“The just transition demands that we address the social and economic challenges that may arise from shifting away from traditional energy sources. We must invest in workforce re-training, creating alternative employment opportunities, and supporting impacted communities. Africa must adopt policies that provide a safety net for those who might be negatively affected by this transition.” Dr. Alake stated.

Noting the development of a policy framework for effective and efficient management of identified transition minerals, the Minister stressed that the Federal Government recognises the global shift towards sustainable, environmentally friendly technologies hence its resolve for responsible management of critical minerals towards cleaner energy systems, reduction of carbon emissions and global fight against climate change.

Dignitaries that graced the opening of the 2nd edition of AFNIS include representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, SGF, Sen. George Akume; Chief host, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake; Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Audu; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Permanent Secretary, Ministries of Solid Minerals Development & Steel Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe; Chairman of Mosra Energy, Olukayode Ramos and a host of others.

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Musawa Seeks Broader Significance for June 12

Published

20 hours ago

October 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., says June 12 must be remembered as a sacrifice that gave Nigerians democracy, beyond its status as a public holiday.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the Senior Assistant Media & Publicity to the Honourable Minister,Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze Ph.D in Abuja.

Musawa stated this at the national premiere of “MKO”, a film on Chief Moshood Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

She said 33 years after June 12, 1993, many young Nigerians know it only as a holiday, but the film turns it back into memory.

“For too many young Nigerians, June 12 is simply a public holiday. This film tells them that our democracy did not arrive by chance. It was fought for. It was defended. It was paid for. This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993 and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today,” the Minister said.

Musawa hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Host, for his participation in the June 12 struggle and paying the price in exile, adding that Nigeria’s creative industry will keep telling the story of its democracy with courage.

“Through film and the creative economy, Nigeria will preserve its history. A nation that forgets its past loses its way to the future. Nigeria has a story and our story deserves to be told,” she said.

Earlier, the director of the investigative documentary, Ose Oyamendan, said the film was in honour and memory of heroes who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.

“There was Hope ’93 and now there is Renewed Hope. There was a man who sacrificed his life so we may have democracy and there is a man who almost lost his life fighting for democracy who is now helping build a lasting democracy.

“There was a great man called Bashorun MKO Abiola and there is now another great man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democrats. Nationalists. Nation builders. Leaders of men and women. We must never forget our story. We must always honour and remember our heroes,” Oyamendan said.

Top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the wife of the President Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila, state Governors, members of the National Assembly, Ministers and other distinguished dignitaries attended the premiere.

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