*Dr. Oladele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, urges mining professionals to note the imperative of deploying technical instruments germane to the development of the scientific reporting system in line with the Pan-African Reporting Code, developed by the African Minerals Development Centre

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In a strategic move to sustain the development of the mining sector in Nigeria, Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, has urged mining professionals to groom younger cadres.

Dr. Alake stated this in his keynote address presented at the annual conference of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Anguldi Zawan, in Jos, Plateau State.

Represented on the occasion by Engr. Obadiah Nkom, Director-General of the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO), the Minister hailed the professional services rendered by mining engineers and geologists in areas of exploration and extraction.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, disclosed in a statement, Alake emphasised that without their input, mining operations would have been a herculean challenge in the country.

The Minister equally charged the society to partner with the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) by sharing new findings to ensure that the agency becomes a repository of accurate data that will guide prospective investors in making informed decisions about the mining sector.

He noted in the address: “It is now very obvious that unless we come together to build the NGSA as a data behemoth that commands the respect of investors and financiers locally and internationally, our efforts to transform the sector will not be sustained.”

Alake as well urged mining professionals to focus on improving their skills and knowledge to earn the respect of their counterparts globally.

He stressed the imperative of putting in place technical instruments germane to the development of the scientific reporting system in line with the Pan-African Reporting Code (PARC) developed by the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC).

In regard to the need for a new generation of mining professionals in the West African country, the Minister urged NMGS to focus on sensitising students in secondary schools on the imperative of pursuing careers in mining sciences.

Alake stated: “Let us recognise the need to build a good foundation for the next generation of mining engineers and geologists.

“As we sit here, many students in secondary schools are about to choose their career paths.”

The Minister noted: “How many teachers and counsellors know about geology and mining professions? Most of the students are going to be advised to choose the traditional disciplines.

“I therefore, urge the NMGS to engage in enlightenment at the secondary school level, to initiate contests and activities that will make many youths see the advantages of pursuing careers in mining sciences.”

Kindly Share This Story