By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Government on Thursday said it has taken a significant step in developing its solid minerals sector, with the acquisition of 30 minerals titles across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
Engr. Bashiru Gegu, the state Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, disclosed this while speaking at the Grand Finale of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) KOGI State Council, 2025 Press Week.
Gegu, who was Chairman of the Press Week themed “Kogi State Solid Minerals: How Journalists Can Drive Development.”, said the move was part of the government’s efforts to boost revenue and drive economic growth.
Represented by Abdulsalam Hudu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Commissioner said Kogi State is richly endowed with solid minerals such as iron ore, limestone, coal, gold, and tantalite among others.
He regretted that the natural endowments which have made Kogi the envy of many states however, remain largely untapped saying, “It is important to note that Gov. Ododo’s efforts increased mineral titles from the existing 15 to 30 across the state.
“Kogi has acquired mining equipment to boost development and reduce reliance on oil revenue. High grade Excavators, loaders, dump trucks help us compete with mining companies,” he said.
The commissioner called on the NUJ in Kogi State to serve as catalyst for responsible mining and sustainable development as he urged them to move from just reporting events to shaping the future.
The guest Speaker, Dr Tope Joel, highlighted the role of Media professionals in actualizing the goal of harnessing the abundant solid mineral deposits in the state for economic development.
Joel urged Kogi Government to establish a solid mineral development company with trained personnel and directorate to regulate and closely monitor mining activities.
He said the media should play a proactive role in reporting on mining activities to help harness Kogi State’s solid mineral deposits for socio-economic development.
Earlier, Chairman of the Kogi NUJ, Mr Ademu Seidu Haruna, commended the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s leadership style, that has endeared his administration to the people of the state as well as the media sector.
He also lauded Governor Ododo for creating a peaceful and conducive environment for the media sector to play it’s constitutional roles and thrive in the state without harassment, intimidation and arrests of journalists.
Alhaji Ademu Seidu Haruna however, appealed to the state government to restore the annual end-of-year financial assistance to members of the union and fulfill its promise of providing a brand new bus for the Council among other requests.
He thanked the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communications, Evangelist Kingsley Femi Fanwo, and other government officials for their support.
The occasion featured the conferment of awards on notable personalities and government officials who have made positive impacts on society. (Ends)