By Adaobi Nsofor
The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society(NMGS) has concluded its 61st Annual Conference and Exhibitions at Ceedapeg Hotels and Suites, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
The theme of this year’s Conference was: Optimising Efficiency, Sustainability and Resilience in Resource Management and Infrastructure Development.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the President of the Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society(NMGS), Ms Rose C. Ndong, noted that the event reinforces the strategic importance of the Geoscience in national development and sustainable resource management.
She said that the NMGS as a body has remained focused in strengthening its institutional capacity, deepening professional engagement and positioning it as a leading voice in matters relating to mineral resources, environmental stewardship and infrastructure development.
While calling for continuous improvement on processes that would promote optimisation of efficiency in Nigeria’s oil and gas production inorder to sustain and improve on the current level, Ms Ndong further emphasised on the need for collaboration amongst the Indigenous Oil Companies, as this would allow for optimisation of resources for lower cost of operation that would ultimately lead to better profitability and sustainability.
In a separate speech, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Henry Dele Alake represented by the Chairman, Senate committee on Solid Minerals, Engr Simon O. Ukom described the event as one of its kind in the history of Geoscience. He also mentioned that the role of professionals in the mining industry cannot be over emphasised as they are the ones to gather and interpret data in a framework that would allow access to would be users.
According to him, Mining sector would succeed if there is a strong collaboration that would lead to infrastructure, energy and human capacity development.
During the Exhibition show, Anambra State Government through Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited showcased their rich Solid Mineral Resources which attracted people from all walks of life as they trooped in to make inquiries about the State’s Mineral Resources which includes Kaolin, Bentonite, Gravel pack, Lignite, others.
The conference also featured the conferment of Honourary Fellowship Awards on deserving individuals, goodwill messages from the Security Agencies, Corporate Bodies, roundtable business discussions, and group photographs.
Adaobi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
