Ondo Govt Moves To Protect Host Communities As Commissioner Intervenes In Ute Mining Dispute
The Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Jaiyeola Alabi, has assured mineral-rich communities of the government’s commitment to protecting their interests, urging them to remain cooperative and open to collaboration with both the government and investors.
He noted that such cooperation is essential for exploring viable mineral deposits that would benefit the communities and the state as a whole.
Alabi reaffirmed that the state government would continue to ensure that all investors adhere strictly to best practices in mining operations to prevent environmental degradation and protect the rights and wellbeing of host communities.
The Commissioner gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the Ute community in Ose Local Government Area, led by the Chairman of the Local Government’s Mining Committee, Mrs. Kehinde Omolara Adeniran. The delegation visited his office to report concerns over alleged mining activities in their community by an unidentified investor.
In his remarks, Alabi commended the community representatives for engaging the government through dialogue. He said he understood their concerns and urged them to remain calm, stressing that the Aiyedatiwa-led administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for investors without compromising the safety and comfort of citizens.
He disclosed that the Ministry, the investor, and the community representatives would undertake a joint inspection of the mining site to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards, promote effective community engagement, and guarantee fairness and sustainability in the exploration process.
Speaking at the meeting, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mining, Folawe Sipasi, thanked the Commissioner for the intervention and assured the delegation that the government was fully aware of their grievances. She appealed to the community to remain accommodating and avoid actions that could hinder investment opportunities beneficial to the state.
Also addressing the delegation, the Convener, Dr. Jide Owoka, urged the community to maintain peace and cooperation to allow investors to ascertain the nature and quantity of minerals in the area. He assured them that all necessary standards would be followed to support development in the Ute community.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Olabode Yusuf, assured the visitors that their concerns would be adequately reflected in the Community Development Agreement. He encouraged them to dispel any fears, noting that the government’s actions are aimed at ensuring meaningful and sustainable development for the Ute community.
