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.

''So 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''.

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.

She said: '' 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.