By Shakirudeen Bankole
Major players in African mining Sector are currently converged in Lagos, Nigeria to discuss business prospects, policies, challenges, and opportunities that abound in the sector.
The convergence heralds the 3rd edition of the Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition, organized by the Women in Mining in Nigeria.
The conference , which is holding at the Ecobank Headquarters on Victoria Island, started with a snippet Thursday, as industry leaders from Ethiopia, Tanzania and Nigeria shared the story of their journey into the sector that was synonymously attributed to the menfolk.
The tales were filled with storms, trials, and setbacks, but the visionary women shared how their resourcefulness and vision propelled them to successfully navigate through to the pedestal of success that they currently stand today.
Moderated by Ambassador (Mrs) Folakemi Akinleye, Nigeria’s former envoy to the Philippines, members of the panel, include; Dr (Engr,) Janet Adeyemi, Host and President Women in Mining, Nigeria; Tsedey Amare, President, Women in Mining, Ethiopia; Matilda Mecktilder Mchomvu, Women in Mining, Tanzania; and Jessica Ogeva, a Nigerian Jewelry and Gemtone Designer.
Adeyemi narrated how the Nigerian Mining sector weaponised stereotype, prejudice and nuances to frustrate women planning to break even in the sector.
“I graduated as a Geologist over 45 years ago. And with the support of one of my mentors, I was posted to the oil and gas sector that people were struggling to have. Together with a male colleague, we were deployed shortly. My office had air conditioner and traces of luxury. I was excited. Only to realize that my own job was to serve tea and snacks for senior officers. I was to do the job of a chef. A graduate of geology. All of these people were men. My colleague that we were deployed together got a field job while I was restricted because of my gender. I left in anger,” Adeyemi narrated.
She recalled how she left and got lucky to be posted elsewhere, where she had a better but restrained experience, compared to that of the male gender.
“But today, I am proud of how far I have come. And this is because I stand on the shoulder of a husband and children that gave me the freedom, support, and motivation it required to get going, even when I hit a ditch sometimes.”
On Friday, at the official opening of the event, Joel Popoola of Institute of Director, UK, who doubles as the Chairman, Africa Group and an Ambassador for North East England, advocated for increased investment in human capital development.
According to him, “to domesticate the riches that comes with the sector, the workforce must be properly trained to acquire the advance, specialised, and technical skills needed to do the job perfectly. “
Popoola also called for regional integration, saying the coming together of players in Africa would determine their global strength and vulnerability.
“Africa needs to come together and forge a stronger bond of unity and collaboration. It is clear the world can not exist without Africa. And the reason is not far fetched from our mineral resources. Hence we must position ourselves for global dominance. We can quickly achieve this when we adopt the global best practices in business and collaborate for growth,” he added.
