Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
Citing the preponderance of natural resources, including solid minerals in Ekiti State, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has stated that the state will contribute significantly to the federal government’s quest to make solid minerals, a major revenue earner for the country.
Speaking while playing host to the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, in his office, the minister reiterated the commitment of the federal government to partnering states to reform the mining sector with a view to ensuring maximum benefits for host communities and accruable revenue for the government.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing an illustrious son of Ekiti State as the helmsman of the solid minerals ministry, asserting that the minister is the state’s best choice and that he has been using his vantage position to advance the cause of Ekiti State.
The governor emphasised the imperative of collaborating with the federal government on mining sector reforms for the economic development of federating units.
According to him, “The other reason why I came here is to discuss how Ekiti State can partner the minister to ensure that we key into his vision. It is in the interest of states to collaborate because it is a win-win situation. Any discerning state that wants to develop its domain must key into the mining sector. I see a lot of opportunities for sub-nationals. He is trying to democratise the space, and it will create wealth. It will create jobs, and it will increase security too. So, I don’t see how any state will not partner the ministry because the solid mineral is the new oil.”
