Our Goal Is To Block Exploitation And Cheating Of Our People — Gov Adeleke Pledges Fairness In Mining Sector

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has stated that his administration is committed to fair practices in the state’s mining sector.

He asserted that he has no agenda to witch hunt any individual or business engaged in mining in the state.

The governor stated this while speaking at a stakeholders’ forum held on Thursday in Osogbo.

Adeleke, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, highlighted the ongoing legal and policy challenges within the federal system, particularly in the mining sector, where state, federal, and community rights often clashed.

He explained that the state’s mining reforms were not targeted at any particular group, adding that that the rights of all stakeholders, including businesses, host communities, and the state government were respected.

“Our main preoccupation is to block any exploitation and cheating of our people.

“we desire that our people and state should feel the impact of their God-given resources,” he said.

He emphasised the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal responsibilities to address complications in the sector, even as he commended the regulatory coordination by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals.

He said, “We are all aware of the policy and legal complications around our brand of federalism.

“The struggle to clear these issues is still ongoing, especially within the solid mineral sector.”

The governor also emphasised Osun’s pro-business stance, adding that while the state supports business development, it would not tolerate attempts to deny the state and its people their rightful share in the mining sector.