Osun: Adeleke government secures new mining deal to drive economy
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Osun State Government has entered into a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with the Critical Minerals Financing Corporation Plc (CMFC) to facilitate the development of the state’s mineral resources and attract investment into the mining sector.
The agreement was signed through the Office of Natural and Mineral Resources (Mining) at the Bola Ige House, Governor’s Office, Osogbo.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources, Prof. Lukman Jimoda, described the partnership as timely and strategic, saying it was in line with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s efforts to reposition the mining sector for greater economic contribution.
Jimoda, who welcomed the Managing Director of CMFC, Anthony Adigwe, and his team to the Governor’s Office, said the agreement would open another opportunity for credible investors to participate in the development of the state’s mineral resources.
“We are here today to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement with CMFC. Since I assumed this position, we have been working tirelessly every day to secure reliable investors, and I am elated to announce that we have finally found a good one,” he said.
He commended Governor Adeleke for his commitment to the development of the mining sector, saying the governor had continued to demonstrate interest in making the sector productive since assuming office.
Jimoda, however, expressed concern over the fate of previous mining agreements entered into by successive administrations in the state.
He said eight mining agreements had previously been signed by past administrations, but only about three or four were still active, while the others had become inactive.
According to him, the state government was already taking steps to attract more investors into the sector.
He disclosed that, in addition to the CMFC partnership, the government had secured two other investors and that agreements with them were expected to be concluded soon.
The Special Adviser also assured the CMFC team that the state government would provide adequate security and a conducive environment for mining operations.
He said the security arrangement would extend beyond Osun to cover mining activities across the South-West region.
The signing ceremony was attended by officials of the state’s mining sector, including the Executive Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Nurudeen A. Bello, and the Director of Operations, Mrs M.O. Olayiwola, among other dignitaries.
