By Tunwase Dokunmu and Doyinsola Ajisebutu
The Ogun State Government has assured relevant stakeholders in the mining sector that it is implementing different action plans that will put in place an enabling environment for mining businesses to thrive.
Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe stated this during a stakeholders’ meeting in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, noting that the present administration had regularly engage miners for clear identification of challenges hindering the growth of mining business.
Longe said the Ministry had partnered relevant agencies which had enabled resolution of diverse issues raised during the stakeholders’ engagement held in March, stating that conflicts between miners and members of Community Development Association in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area had been addressed and efforts intensified at curtailing activities of illegal miners in the State.
“In our move to strategically mitigate these problems, relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are a part of our engagements, so as to holistically review and offer appropriate lasting solutions to issues discussed. My Ministry assures you all of its commitment and unflinching support towards establishing an economically prosperous business environment through its policies”, the Commissioner said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Remi Ogunmefun disclosed that the Ministry would widen the scope of the engagement meeting to include operators and consultants in the banking sector, to get more ideas which would help in reforming the sector.
Ogunmefun stated that the government was working on establishing its Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), that would further develop the mining sector, adding that the business-friendly laws in the State were aiding its growth and attracting more investors.
In his contribution, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola called on relevant stakeholders to join hands with the government in developing the sector, saying the Ministry had increased Geological Services Zonal Offices from 10 to 18 across the State, to tackle irregular and illegal mining.
Aikulola urged miners to take advantage of the Ogun State Government-Bank of Industry (OGSG-BOI) loan to boost their businesses, noting that the scheme is at a discounted seven percent interest rate, which is favourable for miners.
Speaking during the interactive session, Engr. Gbenga Animashaun of the Truck Owners Association of Nigeria appealed to the government to carry out palliative works on Kemta-Ajebo road in Abeokuta, to ease movement of miners and mining products, while Mr. Moshood Mansuur of Mining Product Dealers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, called on the government to support local miners in the area of access to capital.
Vegetable farmers have been told to adopt best agronomic practices such as, improved varieties of seeds and agro technique with necessary skills to maximise profit.
The Chief Research Officer, National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Dr. (Mrs.) Oladayo Idowu-Agida gave the charge during a two-day training session organised for unemployed youths by the Institute in collaboration with Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP), at Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.
Speaking on ‘Management Practices for Improved Vegetable Productions’, Dr. Idowu-Agida who described growing of vegetables in modern ways as a veritable means of income, good sources of nutrition, especially vitamins A and C, advised participants to properly manage the production process through adequate land preparation, planting of good seeds, proper nursery management, careful transplanting with adequate spacing and regular weeding.
She highlighted proper irrigation during dry season, fertilizer application, which could be manure or chemical, adequate pest and disease control, as well as good harvesting techniques and record keeping as ways to maximise profits.
“The demand for various types of vegetable is high across the country judging from nutritional value derived from daily consumption. That means the market and profit margins are high for farmers after harvest, if the crops are grown with best agricultural practices”, Dr. Idowu-Agida said.
The resource person maintained that participants could adopt any aspect of vegetable value-addition, such as seed production, nursery production and leafy or fruit vegetable production.
Also in her lecture on ‘Economics of Vegetable Production’, the Assistant Director of Research in the Institute, Dr. (Mrs.) Iyabo Adeoye urged participants to identify markets or steady buyers before venturing into plantation, affirming that demands for various commodities of vegetable abound at local and international markets.
On her part, the Programme Manager, OGADEP, Deaconess Taiwo Ayansanwo expressed hope that the skills instilled in participants would have positive multiplier effects in food production and job creation, if they practice what they learnt and teach others.
Participants were later taken to the field for practical demonstration on modern ways of planting pumpkin, popularly called ugwu, tomato and okra, as well as ways of preserving them when supply is high in the market to avert loss.
A participant from Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area, Mrs. Mary Abegunrin who spoke with OGIS said the theory and practical aspect of the training had given them insight on how best to grow vegetables and preserve excess for future sale, appreciating NIHORTS, OGADEP and Ogun State Government for the opportunity.
Highlights of the event were presentation of certificates, free distribution of pumpkin leaf seedlings, okra and tomato seeds to each of the participants.
