Dr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has directed an indefinite suspension of mining activities at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital university, and environs pending the conclusion of investigations into suspected illegal mining.
Alake revealed this in his office after a meeting with Prof. Adebayo Bamire, OAU Vice-Chancellor, and Prof John Okeniyi, the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, at the ministry headquarters in Abuja.
According to the minister statement signed by Segun Tomori, his Special assistant on Media, said the ban followed several complaints by students and residents on the activities of illegal Miners affecting economic activities in the area.
Alake said, the ministry immediately swung into action to ascertain the veracity of the allegations sequel to reports in certain sections of the media about the nefarious activities of the illegal miners who selfishly feast and thrive on Nigeria’s commonwealth.
It said the unregulated mining operations had caused devastating impact on the environment.
The statement read, “Following the outcry generated by reports of illegal mining or suspicion of nefarious activities by mining operators within OAU, we immediately deployed officials of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency and Mines Inspectorate for on-the-spot assessment.
“Preliminary reports that reached me indicated that there were indeed some activities around the premises. The ministry then stopped all activities, whether legal or illegal, for further investigations, “the minister asserted.
Alake disclosed that upon summoning some operators discovered to be carrying out illegal activities, they presented some licenses and letters of consent which necessitated further investigations to ascertain its authenticity, hence the imperative of inviting the university authorities for a parley.
“We have a had a very fruitful meeting, and a lot of facts have come out of it. Based on the outcome of the meeting, I announce the indefinite suspension, with immediate effect, all mining activities within the premises of the University, the University teaching hospital and in fact around the area and boundaries of the university, until the conclusion of thorough investigations”, the Minister added.
Also speaking, Bakare showed gratitude to the minister for the audience, emphasizing the capacity of the university to play an active role in exploration, research, and other sectors of the mining value chain.
“We have some of the best geologists and mining professionals in the country.
“We feel that we need to set up a sort of excellent research and training facility on mineral resources within the university. If we are able to get that in the university, it will help us, support the university community, the state, and ultimately contribute to the development of the mining sector, “he added.
The vice-chancellor also hinted about the university’s application for an exploration license, expressing optimism that with the anticipated approval, the University will be able to carry out exploration, discover the distribution and quality of mineral resources within the university environs and across the country.
On the VC’s entourage were Registrar, Kamarudeen Bakare; Head of Department of Geology & Geophysics, Prof. Olatokunbo Alao; Director, Physical Planning, Dr. Anthony Owolabi; Director, Maintenance Services, Engr. Olawuyi Isaac while the Chief Medical Director of OAU Teaching Hospital, Prof. John Okeniyi joined the meeting virtually.
