The Kwara State Government says the decision of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to fight illegal mining operators in the state deserves the support and commendation of all citizens.
To this end, the state government urged the anti-graft agency not to be deterred by the antics of some corrupt individuals who are benefiting from the illegal operation, as corruption would always fight back.
The Permanent Secretary, Solid Minerals, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in the State, Mr. Okanlawon Musa Olarewaju stated this when he led the management staff of the ministry on a courtesy call on Ilorin Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe.
Mr Okanlawon said that the state government was in support of the anti-graft agency’s efforts to rid the state of illegal miners who are operating at different locations across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State.
“We are following your activities closely, especially the latest arrest of some Chinese Nationals over alleged illegal mining in the state. The Chinese have a company in Olayinka, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. When I visited the place, I almost shed tears. The place is not developed, the roads there are not motorable and yet the company is not paying royalty to the Government,” the Permanent Secretary said.
According to him, no fewer than 230 mining operators were in Kwara State and none of them had come forward to revalidate their license.
He added that; “We have called them now to come to the ministry to bring their documents for regularization and revalidation.”
Responding, the Zonal Commander, Nzekwe thanked the Ministry for throwing its support behind the EFCC’s fight against corruption, particularly its onslaught against illegal mining operators in the state.
“Such support and collaboration from stakeholders is what EFCC need to stamp out corruption in Nigeria.”
He vowed to ensure that the operators abide by the rules of the game by paying royalties to the government and also obeying the local content law.
Nzekwe also hinted on plans by the Commission to set up a task force to tackle illegal mining operators across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State.
According to him, the EFCC shall prosecute suspects arrested by the task force, which would comprise of representatives of all law enforcement agencies in the state.
He said that the first task of the committee would be to meet with all the stakeholders to get support for the fight against illegal mining business in the state.
The Zonal Commander disclosed that the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC within the last one year had secured the conviction of five illegal mining operators aside from the large sum of money recovered from the sector adding that the Commission would not be weary in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Summer Classes
Meanwhile, the Lawmaker representing Ilorin East/South federal constituency, in the House of Representatives, Abuja, Dr Ahmed Aluko has donated the sum amount of N1 million to support carefully selected summer lessons in his constituent.
According to him, the primary goal of this endeavour is to empower the selected summer classes to effectively facilitate educational activities for the benefit of students within the constituency during the extended holiday period.
The disbursement of funds was overseen by an ad-hoc committee that was established for this specific purpose.
Aluko underlined that although this is not the first instance of his support for such initiatives within his constituency, there has been an expansion in the number of summer classes this year.
The Lawmaker reiterated his unwavering dedication to elevating education as a key legislative priority and affirmed his ongoing commitment to advancing this agenda.
PIAK
