*The Nigerian Government announces indefinite suspension of mining activities around Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, in Ile-Ife, and environs, pending the conclusion of聽 investigations into alleged illegal mining in the areas

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Federal Government through the office of Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, has announced the indefinite suspension of mining activities within Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, (OAUTHC) Ile-Ife, in Nigeria, and environs.

The Minister, who disclosed the measure became necessary pending the conclusion of聽 investigations into suspected illegal mining around the institutions, said this Tuesday, April 16, 2024, after a meeting with OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire and Prof. John Okeniyi, Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, in his office, in Abuja, FCT.

A section of the OAU campus, in Ile-Ife

Dr. Alake stated that following reports in certain sections of the media about activities of illegal miners within the precincts of the University, OAUTHC, and environs, the Ministry immediately swung into action to ascertain the veracity of the allegations.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, stated Dr. Alake said: “Following the outcry generated by reports of illegal mining or suspicion of nefarious activities by mining operators within OAU, we immediately deployed officials of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and Mines Inspectorate for on-the-spot assessment. “Preliminary reports that reached me indicated that there were, indeed, some activities around the premises.”

The Minister explained: “The Ministry then, stopped all activities, whether legal or illegal, for further investigations.”

Alake further revealed that upon summoning some operators discovered to be carrying out illegal activities, they presented some licences and letters of consent, which necessitated further investigations to ascertain their authenticity, hence the imperative of inviting the University’s authorities for a parley.

“We have a had a very fruitful meeting, and a lot of facts have come out of it.

“Based on the outcome of the meeting, I announce the indefinite suspension, with immediate effect, all mining activities within the premises of the University, the University teaching hospital and in fact around the area and boundaries of the university, until the conclusion of thorough investigations”, the Minister added.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of OAU, expressed gratitude to the Minister for the audience, highlighting the capacity of the University to play an active role in exploration, research, and other sectors of the mining value chain.

Bamire stated: “We have some of the best geologists and mining professionals in the country.

“We feel that we need to set up a sort of excellent research and training facility on mineral resources within the University.

“If we are able to get that in the University, it will help us, support the University community, the state, and ultimately, contribute to the development of the mining sector.”

The Vice-Chancellor also hinted at the University’s application for an exploration licence, as he expressed optimism that with the anticipated approval, the Obafemi Awolowo University would be able to carry out exploration, discover the distribution and quality of mineral resources within the University environs and across the West African country.

On the Vice-Chancellor’s entourage were Registrar, Kamarudeen Bakare; Head of Department of Geology & Geophysics, Prof. Olatokunbo Alao; Director of Physical Planning, Dr. Anthony Owolabi; Director of Maintenance Services, Engr. Olawuyi Isaac, while the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of OAU Teaching Hospital, Prof. John Okeniyi, joined the meeting virtually, the statement noted.

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