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Stakeholders Reach Consensus On Sanitizing Imo Mining Sector As Commissioner Solicits Compliance

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By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe

The Commissioner for Industry Mines and Solid Minerals, Rt. Hon. Ernest Ibejiakor (Nwa Ndaa) on Thursday, 13th June, hosted a stakeholders meeting comprising officials from the ministry, miners and off takers in the state. The aim of the parley which held at the State Secretariat, Off Port-Harcourt, Owerri, was to sanitize and engineer progress in the Imo State mining sector following some uncomplimentary activities ravaging the sector.

Rt. Hon. Ibejiakor, who appreciated the participants’ attendance and support since assuming office, however, emphasized the importance of the meeting. “I have come to realize that a lot of challenges abound which must be tackled urgently if I must achieve the core mandates and responsibilities of my ministry. The success of our deliberations today no doubt will enable us to surmount present challenges facing mining sector and avail ourselves the opportunity to prosper and move forward to our collective benefit,” he said.

The Commissioner, stressed the importance of the sector to the ecological and environmental systems, but regretted that lack of compliance to mining regulations, conflicts among stakeholders, proliferation of mining routes and lack of proper accountability among other unethical practices have led to abysmal revenue generation to government as well as damages to the environment which called for the closure of some mining sites. He outlined the above, and solicited the corporation of all stakeholders.

Contributing, the Chairman of Miners Association of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter/South-East, Prince Ugochukwu Onyenwenwa, commended Hon. Ibejiakor for the meeting he described as timely in moving the sector forward. Meanwhile, he faulted the activities of revenue collectors as deviating from extant laws and regulations in the sector, and decried the huge loss of accruable revenues to the government because of fraudulent activities. He solicited total overhauling of the sector and promised the support of the association in getting things right.

Meanwhile, stakeholders after deliberating on critical issues affecting the ministry, unanimously agreed to work towards making the sector efficient and sustainable. The communique issued at the end of the parley outlined some of the objectives to be pursued to include: achieving harmony and cooperation among all the mining
stakeholders in the state.

It also highlighted the importance of stakeholders adhering strictly to the mining rules and regulations in the state. The communique also stated that for the reason of sustaining the ecosystems, all mining sites listed for closure shall be closed and the miners
involved be relocated to safer ecological/environmental zones. Similarly, proliferation of mining routes in the state must be curtailed.

To ensure accountability and improved revenue generation to the government, stakeholders at the meeting resolved to pursue periodic appraisal and audit of revenue collection performances in the state, while embarking on upward review of the revenue subheads of the ministry in keeping with current economic realities as approved and adopted.

Signed by stakeholders at the meeting, the communique clearly noted that any violation of the regulations, guidelines, directives and agreements in the Imo State Mining and Solid Minerals Sector would attract the weight
of the law, and called for cooperation of all involved towards achieving the desired sanity and progress in the ministry and loyalty to both the federal government and Imo State government on the issue.

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Politics

JUST IN: Tinubu returns to Abuja after UK, France trip

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April 21, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a working visit and retreat in France and London lasting 18 days.

The presidential 001 aircraft conveying the President landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 9:50 p.m on Monday, the State House media office disclosed.

Tinubu was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, among others.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on Wednesday, April 2, spending some time in Paris, the French capital, before he reportedly proceeded to London two weekends ago.

The Presidency said while away, Tinubu maintained contact with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some states.

In Paris, the President held talks with the United States Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Mr. Massad Boulos.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the discussions included deepening bilateral collaboration aimed at enhancing regional security and promoting sustainable economic development across Africa.

A key aspect of the meeting included joint efforts to advance lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with emphasis on multilateral cooperation and the role of regional stakeholders.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, was also among the officials who received the President.

 

At 09:50 pm President Tinubu arrived Abuja from his 18-day retreat in London and Paris. He was received at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by officials of governments; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, among others. Credit | VILLA INFOSTRATIC

 

 

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JUST-IN: President Tinubu Allegedly Had a Secret Meeting With Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara and The 27 Pro-Wike Assembly Members in London

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April 21, 2025

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A source familiar with the political situation in Rivers State has revealed a secret meeting between President Tinubu, Governor Sim Fubara and the embattled 27 Pro-Wike Assembly members in United Kingdom. The source who played anonymity claimed that the reason President Tinubu stayed long away from Nigeria after embarking on a brief holiday was to ensure a conclusive agreement between Gov. Fubara and the 27 Pro-Wike Assembly members.

The source also claimed that the FCT minister, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike May not be unaware of the ‘foreign meeting amidst the political tension in Rivers State.

According to the source, Governor Fubara is being reined upon to join the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to support President Tinubu and save his political career.

It’s worthy to note that President Tinubu, Gov. Sim Fubara and the 27 Pro-Wike Assembly members were all on holiday in London. President Tinubu has just returned to Nigeria after spending 19 days in Europe.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES SENATOR ORJI UZOR KALU AT 65

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April 21, 2025

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STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES SENATOR ORJI UZOR KALU AT 65

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, on his 65th birthday.

President Tinubu reflects on their enduring friendship and shared commitment to national progress, rooted in their membership of the “Class of ’99” Governors.

The President extols the former Majority Whip’s unwavering patriotism, recalling decades of collaboration marked by mutual respect, even with political differences.

He lauds Senator Kalu’s entrepreneurial spirit, as epitomised in his establishment of Slok Holding and investments in banking and the media, ventures that have created hundreds of jobs.

“Senator Kalu, my friend, is a patriot whose life embodies resilience, generosity, and the transformative power of visionary leadership. On this milestone, I celebrate his contributions to our nation’s economic and political tapestry,” President Tinubu says.

The President prays that God Almighty will grant Senator Kalu renewed strength, wisdom, and many more years of impactful service to Nigeria and humanity.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser tot the President
(Information and Strategy)
April 21, 2025

 

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