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FG Proposes Mining Center Of Excellence, Inaugurate Committee Members

Published

2 years ago

February 16, 2024

Joel Ajayi

In continuation of its efforts to reposition and ensure the mining sector contribute maximally to the growth of the nation’s economy, the Federal Government will establish the Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence ( CoE) as a one stop -shop that will meet the needs of investors in the solid Minerals sector.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development/Steel Development, Dr Mrs Mary Ogbe disclosed this today during the inauguration of members of the Committee for the Establishment of the Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence (CoE), at the Ministry’s Headquarters Office in Abuja.

Speaking on the importance of establishing the Center of Excellence, Dr Ogbe explained that it is Pivotal in numerous ways to the actualisation of the Ministry’s conttibution to the growth of the Nigerian economy; as it will foster collaborations among the key departments of the Ministry.

Elaborating further on the objectives for creating the Mining Centre of Excellence; the Permanent Secretary said: ” The Centre is established to provide a one-stop that will meet the needs of investors in the solid mineral sector of the economy, facilitate the efficient use of the Decision Support System ( DSS) and promote knowledge – sharing best practices and capacity building within the mining sector”.

Continuing, Dr Ogbe expressed optimism on the actualization of the mandate of the CoE to act as a focal point for international partnerships and collaboration in the field of mining investment amongst other laudable objectives.

To this end, she stated that the Honorable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has assured that he is willing and ready to support the activities of the CoE with everything it needs to actualize its mandate.

The Nigerian Mining Centre of Excellence CoE , according to Dr Ogbe, will foster collaborations among the key departments of the Ministry which include Nigerian Geological Survey Agency NGSA, Mining Cadastre Office MCO, Mines Inspectorate, Office of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Ministry of Steel Development and Office of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

Membership of the Committee includes nominated members of the various Departments and Agencies of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; and will be chaired by the Director of Investment Promotion and Minerals Trade Department of the Ministry.

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Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security

Published

4 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.

The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.

Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.

These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.

In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.

“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”

The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).

– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.

– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.

– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.

– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.

Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.

“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”

The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.

About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.

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