Benue Govt bans mining activities
By Bridget Ikyado
The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia has announced ban on all forms of mining activities in the state.
The governor announced the ban on Sunday in Makurdi during an Interdenominational service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), to mark the nation’s 63rd Independence anniversary.
The service was held at the Methodist Cathedral South bank.
According to the governor, individuals, companies and investors must first get all certifications from the Federal Government and necessary approvals by the state government before venturing into mining activities in the state.
He emphasised that Benue would guard its natural resources jealously “as they are precious gifts from God to help enrich and develop our state and not to be stolen by strangers”.
Alia also said it was the duty of citizens to create an enabling environment to attract investors who would help further develop the state.
“We as citizens will have to create an enabling environment to woo investors who would in turn develop the state.
“Our lofty visions, policies and strategies for good governance cannot be achieved in a society bereft of security of lives and property.
“No society thrives in the face of wanton killings, kidnapping, banditry, communal conflicts, and so forth,” he reminded the people of the state.
The governor further tasked the citizens to be the first fortress of security in their communities.
“We are the first security before our uniformed men. If you see something in your neighborhood, you say something,” he added.
Alia called on the youths to key into the free ICT training programme of his administration designed to boost their capabilities for the 21st Century.
The Governor promised that his administration would deliver on the 7-Point agenda anchored on the Security of lives and property; agriculture and rural development; commerce and industry; human capital and social development; infrastructure and environment; information and communications technology; and political and economic governance.
“As this administration continues to reposition, as well as strengthen it’s institutions for good governance, I want to assure you that succour is on the way”, the governor said.
