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Council Meeting will Cart Way Forward For Minerals And Metals Sector- Ogbe

Published

2 years ago

January 15, 2024

Joel Ajayi
The Permanent Secretary overseeing both Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe has described the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development ( NCMMRD) meeting as an invaluable platform to chart a way forward for a sustainable development of the minerals and metal sector.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development/Steel Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe asserted during a sideline interview session with newsmen at the opening ceremony of the 5th Edition of the National Council On Mining and Minerals Resources Development meeting, which commenced today Monday 15 January 2024 at the Banquet Hall, Opposite Government House Ilorin, Kwara State (State of Harmony).

In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary who affirmed the importance of the Council meeting as a milestone in our collective efforts to ensure the sustainable development of Nigeria’s solid Minerals sector, averred that the theme ” Minerals and Metals sector: a panacea for economic growth and Diversity” is apt with the relevant sub-themes that will be discussed during the technical session.

According to her, we are here as Stakeholders in the sector to deliberate on best way forward, so that we get the blessings of what God has given to us in the minerals and metal sector. That is my expectation.

“There is no better time to have such a topic as now, the nation is depending on the Solid mineral and Metals sector for it’s economic prosperity for two reasons: Fossil fuel is gradually being phased out with the advent of electric cars …we may not get buyers for our fuel . Secondly, the world is going green and we must not be left behind . And for us, we are highly blessed with the energy minerals as well”.

To this end, Dr Ogbe expressed her profound appreciation to representatives from various government agencies, private sector players, and other Stakeholders who attended , stressing, their presence demonstrates commitment to the growth and advancement of the mineral and Metal resources sector.

While extolling the importance of the meeting to realizing the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the sector for the benefits of the people; the Permanent Secretary affirmed that this edition of the NCMMRD affords stakeholders in the sector and invaluable platform to deliver on key issues affecting the sector and chart a way forward.

She said: ” Our Agenda for today includes discussions on policy reforms, investment opportunities, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and fostering innovation in the sector”

The Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mrs Funke Sokoya, in her welcome address, seized the opportunity of the occasion to make a passionate appeal to the Honourable Ministers and Council members of today’s occasion, stressing, the yearly resolutions agreed upon should be judiciously utilized. If done, the participants would be solving most of the challenges facing them in their respective states- as evident in the sub-themes of this event, issues such as illegal mining and community development agreements ( CDA)… Mrs Sokoya emphasized .

Amongst the participants who graced the opening ceremony were the Kwara State Commissioner for Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, Alhaji AbdulQuawiy Olododo, who represented the Executive Governor of Kwara State; Directors of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development/Steel Development, Director-General/ CEOs of Agencies of the two Ministries.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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