BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
The Oyo State government, through the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA), has engaged miners operating across the state to strengthen collaboration and promote responsible mining practices.
The government laid emphasis on the effective implementation of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) to ensure peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in host communities.
This was contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Monday.
Oyelade said while speaking during the meeting, the Director General of the Agency, Mr. Abiodun Oni, stated that security concerns surrounding mining activities had brought the sector to the forefront of the state government’s agenda.
He stressed that there was need for stronger cooperation among stakeholders to ensure a safe, orderly, and sustainable mining environment across the state.
Mr. Oni said the engagement also provided an opportunity to sensitise miners and other stakeholders on their roles and responsibilities in the effective implementation of the CDA, as well as compliance with the Executive Order guiding mineral development activities in Oyo State.
He noted that the government was determined to prevent conflicts between miners and host communities, stressing that the state did not want situations where disagreements escalated into confrontations between operators and community members.
Mr. Oni emphasised the need for synergy among all stakeholders, noting that miners, community leaders, and relevant government agencies ought to work together to maintain peace and order within mining communities.
He added that understanding and respecting clearly-defined roles and responsibilities would help create a more sustainable and productive mining sector in the state.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Mrs. Olufunke Omidiran, highlighted the importance of the CDA, noting that it was a key framework designed to ensure that mining activities benefitted host communities.
She explained that the agreement captured the interests of the community, the youth, and individuals, thereby promoting inclusive development and reducing potential conflicts.
Mrs. Omidiran advised stakeholders to fully embrace the CDA, stressing that the state government placed high value on transparency and accountability in the mining sector.
She further noted that creating a transparent and well-structured mining environment would not only foster trust among stakeholders, but also position Oyo State as an attractive destination for more investors in the mining industry.
