The Governor of Osun State, Mr. Ademola Adeleke, has lamented the environmental degradation caused by mining activities, particularly in the state’s eastern senatorial district. He warned that underground water across the district’s Local Government Areas in Ife and Ijesa land has become polluted as a result of these operations. Adeleke made these remarks during a meeting in Abuja with Engr. Obadiah Nkom, Director General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Agency.
The governor affirmed his administration’s readiness to pay all necessary fees to secure the state’s mining licenses. In a statement obtained in Osogbo on Sunday, spokesperson Olawale Rasheed quoted Adeleke as saying, “I am meeting you today to affirm our administration’s readiness to re‑validate our mining licenses. We apologize for the conduct of the previous government. Under my watch, the licenses will be better managed in compliance with relevant laws.” He added, “We also thank the mining authorities for protecting the state’s mining assets during the transition periods. We appreciate the professionalism of the licensing office. On our part, we will pay the required fees and move ahead with transparent management of field operations.”
Adeleke further noted that the state will meet with the Federal Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, emphasizing that Osun has suffered severe environmental violations. “The Federal Government issued mining licenses that have destroyed Osun’s environment. Underground water across the eastern senatorial district is polluted. Osun deserves a marshal plan to clean up its environment,” he said.
In response, Engr. Nkom expressed his agency’s willingness to partner with the state to revive Osun’s mining sector.
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