PROF. OFOEGBU CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING IN ANAMBRA
By Adaobi Nsofor :
Citizens of Anambra State have been urged to desist from illegal mining that would endanger their lives and slow down the economic activities of the state.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State Solid Mineral Development Company Limited, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu stated this during an interview in his office at the Government House, Awka.
Prof. Ofoegbu noted that mining which is one of the oldest economic activities in the state is being tampered with on a daily basis, which is a serious issue that shouldn’t be neglected.
He maintained that illegal mining can lead to environmental degradation including deforestation, soil erosion and water pollution which will in turn affect the eco system and increase poverty level especially among peasant farmers who depend solely on environmental resources for a living.
Prof Ofoegbu further emphasised that Anambra State is strongly positioned to build a thriving, socially responsible mineral industry that drives broad-based economic growth.
He believes that Anambra’s Mineral sector if fully optimised, can contribute massively to the state’s GDP, enable widespread industrialization and provide employment opportunities for the youths in the state.
According to him, the Soludo-led administration is determined to establish workable synergies between miners and the host communities in order to curtail the activities of the illegal miners in the state.
Prof. Ofoegbu who recalled that Governor Soludo had earlier in the year banned sand excavation in Anambra State following the discovery that it is fuelling the gully erosion menace in most communities in the state, called on Ndi Anambra to participate actively and benefit from the state’s mining sector by developing relevant skills that will enable socio economic upliftment.
* Nsofor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
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