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Fight Illegal Mining From the Roots, Alake Tells Kogi Youths
By Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has urged youths in Kogi State to engage their elders, traditional rulers, community leaders and local authorities and persuade them to withdraw support for illegal miners operating in their communities.
Alake made the call on Thursday while addressing members of the Concerned Kogi Youths Against Environmental Degradation, who protested at the Ministry over alleged environmental degradation caused by mining activities in parts of the state.
In a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wyse, the minister commended the protesters for supporting the Federal Government’s campaign against illegal mining.
He assured them that the Ministry was deploying technology and strengthening the Mining Marshals to intensify the fight against illegal mining across the country.
According to Alake, Kogi State remains a major area of concern for the Ministry, noting that the first operation of the Mining Marshals was the dislodgement of illegal miners from an area covered by Mining Lease No. 19325, belonging to North-South Extractive Industries in Yagba East Local Government Area of the state.
He said the Mining Marshals had assisted several mining companies in removing illegal miners from their sites and prosecuting offenders.
“Between March 2024 and August 2026, the Mining Marshals identified 374 illegal mining sites. To date, 108 of such sites have been cleared. We have arrested 743 suspects, while 165 cases involving 430 accused persons are being prosecuted. So far, we have secured five convictions,” he said.
The minister said investigations by several committees constituted by the Ministry had revealed that many of those involved in illegal mining in Kogi were not outsiders, but indigenes allegedly engaged in illegal mining with the backing of some community elders, traditional rulers and local government officials.
He warned that such support for illegal mining was undermining legitimate mining operations and causing severe damage to the environment.
“Their illegal activities are killing the mining companies. In the coal fields, they are stealing the minerals of mining companies which have paid money to obtain licences and will still pay royalties for the minerals extracted.
“Illegal miners don’t pay for licences. They don’t pay royalties. They enrich themselves at the expense of the Nigerian people,” Alake said.
He warned illegal miners and their collaborators that the Federal Government would intensify enforcement through technology and the strengthened Mining Marshals.
“This Ministry has a message for them and their collaborators: time is running out. With the ongoing deployment of technology and the consolidation of the Mining Marshals, very soon there will be no hiding place for these criminals.
“If, as you claim, you are Kogi youths, take this message to the stakeholders in your communities. Consult your elders. Convince community leaders and local authorities to back off and allow the machinery of enforcement to work diligently and effectively to combat illegal mining and stop the reckless degradation of our environment,” he added.
Alake was represented at the meeting by the Director, Mining Inspectorate, Engr. Imam Ganiyu; Director, Mining Environmental Compliance, Dr. Vivian Okono; Director, Special Duties, Engr. Frank Odom; Director, Human Resources, Dr. Ijeoma Idika; and Commander, Mining Marshals, John Attah Onoja.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the protesting group, Comrade Isaiah Davies Ijele, said the protest was aimed at drawing the Minister’s attention to alleged environmental degradation in the Kogi East Senatorial District, particularly Ankpa and Omala Local Government Areas.
Ijele alleged that mining activities in the areas were being carried out in violation of environmental and regulatory standards, resulting in damaged roads, destruction of farmlands, pollution of water sources and deteriorating living conditions for residents.
He called on the Minister to order investigations into mining operations in Ankpa and Omala, deploy officials of the Mines Inspectorate and Mining Marshals to enforce relevant laws, and seal mining companies found to be operating in violation of regulations.
Responding, the Director of Mining Environmental Compliance, Dr. Okono, said the Ministry had commenced the compilation of a list of mining companies defaulting on their Community Development Agreements.
She said the names of the defaulting companies would soon be published, alongside other sanctions, in line with the Minister’s directives.
Tighten the opening for impactReduce repetitive illegal-mining referencesUse stronger news-style transitions
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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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