Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting and empowering women in the mining sector, News About Nigeria gathered.
He declared this during the Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (GGCE, 2023) held at the African Gemstone and Jewellery Conference Centre in Lagos.
Represented by Prof. Lukman Jimoda, the Special Adviser for Mining and Mineral Matters, Governor Adeleke stressed the importance of including and empowering women in the mining industry.
He emphasised that this commitment is not only vital for women’s economic advancement but also essential for the overall growth and prosperity of the state and the nation.
“Osun State is one of the key states in Mineral Exploration and Mineral Processing. We have around 300 mining titles within the state. Out of these titles, Osun State has 6 mining titles (3 Mining and 3 Exploration Leases).
“Our state also has other 13 licences across other states which include Kogi, Kwara, Oyo, Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger states. We are also at the tail end of converting our exploration leases to mining leases.
“At the end of the exercise, our State will be having 42 Mining Leases and 2 Exploration Leases,” he said.
Governor Adeleke highlighted the state’s efforts to engage women in cooperative exploration and establish buying centres, ultimately empowering women in the mining sector.
He expressed his administration’s dedication to promoting gender equality and ensuring women’s full participation in all sectors of the state’s economy.
The Governor acknowledged the challenges faced by women in mining, such as limited access to resources, education, and opportunities, while also recognizing their remarkable resilience, resourcefulness, and determination.
He emphasised the importance of creating an enabling environment that harnesses the talents and potential of women miners.
Governor Adeleke called upon the private sector, civil society organizations, development partners, and the international community to collaborate with the government in supporting women in mining.
He emphasised that investing in this sector is not only an investment in women but also in the sustainable development of the state.
The Governor concluded by expressing his commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in Osun State.
He affirmed his determination to break down barriers and create pathways for women to thrive not only in the mining industry but also in various sectors.
“We call upon the private sector, civil society organizations, development partners, and the international community to join hands with us in supporting women in mining.
“Investment in this sector is not just an investment in women; it is an investment in the sustainable development of our state.
“We look forward to fruitful discussions, valuable insights, and concrete recommendations emerging from this seminar, which will undoubtedly contribute to our collective efforts in advancing the cause of ‘Women in Mining’,” Governor Adeleke added.
