- University don, others speak on need to review mining activitiesÂ
A Professor of Geology and Mining, Gbenga Okunlola, has charged the people of Ijesa land to henceforth take advantage of the expiration of mining licenses to demand for review and a stake in mining activities in the land.
Okunlola also called on them to be wary of those who are only licensed for mining exploration, but who go beyond the directive to mine mineral resources in the land.
The academic and an Ijesa indigene gave the charge while delivering a paper titled, ‘Mining Stakeholders, Roles, Rights, CDA and New Perspectives,’ at a Consultative Training Workshop held in Ilesa for representatives from Atakumosa East Local Government area.
The training was organized by the Ijesa Mineral Resources Development Forum, IMRDF towards ensuring equitable distribution of mining dividends.
Okunlola rued the opportunities missed by the people of Ijesaland to have acquired mining license themselves when there was still a chance to do so.
He however charged them not to be in haste to enter into agreement with mining companies for pittance when they have the opportunity to benefit immensely from the natural resource.
The University of Ibadan don, charged them to ensure that they painstakingly follow due process in signing Community Development Agreement with any mining company in the interest of the community and Ijesa land as a whole.
Also delivering a paper at the consultative forum, an Environmentalist, Femi Fadare, expressed concern over the environmental degradation taking place in Ijesa land.
He lamented that the companies have failed to address safety and health issues as it affects water, land and air.
Fadare stressed the need for adherence with buffer zones, noise control, air quality, standard blasting plans, as well as occupational health and safety issues.
Dr Adigun Adewoye who chaired the IMRDF training workshop, said the forum was inaugurated by Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, on the 17th May, 2022.
According to him, the overriding objective is to optimize the gains of mining for all stakeholders in Ijesaland, through advocacy and partnership approach.
Adewoye revealed that the same enlightenment training will be held for all local government areas across Ijesa land for appropriate economic and health benefit of the mineral rich area.
The event also witnessed the appointment and inauguration of the Local Government Consultative Committee members.
