*Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State
The Ondo State Government has announced an intensified crackdown on illegal mining activities, warning that violators will face stiff sanctions.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi sounded this warning during an on-the-spot inspection of suspected illegal mining locations in the Ose local government area of the state.
The exercise, carried out in collaboration with members of the state’s Local Government Mineral Resources Committee and technical consultants, uncovered a suspected illegal gold mining site in the area.
The assessment team visited an excavation point at Olufa, Elegbeka community, where artisanal miners were believed to have previously carried out surface-level operations.
Though the activity observed was largely shallow and informal, the Commissioner disclosed that geological indicators point to the possible existence of more significant mineral deposits beneath the surface.
Alabi stressed that the era of unchecked illegal mining in Ondo State was over.
He said, “This government will no longer fold its arms while individuals or groups exploit our mineral resources unlawfully.
“We are committed to following due process and all regulatory requirements to ensure that any mineral exploitation is properly licensed and beneficial to both the state and the host communities.”
He explained that the inspection forms part of ongoing technical investigations to verify the actual presence and commercial viability of gold deposits in Ose.
He said the state is exploring lawful avenues, in partnership with relevant federal agencies and private investors, to harness the resources in a way that guarantees revenue generation, job creation, and environmental protection.
Alabi noted that although mining falls under the Exclusive Legislative List of the Federal Government, limiting direct control by states, the Ondo State Government remains determined to collaborate with federal authorities to secure tangible benefits for its people.
He reaffirmed that the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is resolute in unlocking the mineral potential spread across the state’s local government areas as part of a broader economic diversification strategy.
The Commissioner revealed that beyond Ose, other mineral-endowed communities, including the Ute Community, known for its coal deposits, would be sensitised on government development plans.
He said community engagement is critical to preventing illegal activities and ensuring local support for sustainable mining operations.
The Chairman of Ose Local Government, Clement Kolapo-Ojo, commended the Commissioner and his team for their swift response, describing the visit as a demonstration of the state government’s seriousness in addressing illegal exploitation.
He urged authorities to expedite technical and regulatory interventions ahead of the rainy season, warning that the proximity of the excavation site to water channels poses environmental risks, including possible flooding and river overflow.
Also speaking, Chairperson of the Local Government Mining Committee, Mrs Kehinde Adeniran, expressed appreciation to the council chairman for establishing the monitoring body.
She assured residents that surveillance efforts would be strengthened to detect and report illegal or unethical mining activities promptly.
The inspection team included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Alhaji Olabode Yusuf; Director of Mineral Resources, Mr. Abiodun Jones; Deputy Director, Engr. Bidemi Oladapo; representatives of Proneg Consultancy Services, led by Mr Seun Okeowo; as well as divisional heads and councilors.
