A new nine-member executive has been inaugurated for the Miners Association of Nigeria, Delta State chapter, with Chief Kenneth Odita as Chairman.
Chief Odita, who had been in acting capacity, was returned unopposed in an election conducted in Asaba, on thursday, by the National Publicity Secretary of the Association, Engr. Fatai Jimoh, who represented the National President of the body, Comrade Dele Ayanleke.
Also returned unopposed were Mr. Alex Kuri, 1st Vice Chairman; Friday Bojoh, 2nd Vice Chairman; Mrs. Patricia Omolu, Secretary; Andrew Ewurare, Assistant Secretary; Prince Tom Okobana, Treasurer; Sir Nwakwushue Nnamdi, Financial Secretary; Sorhue Justice Ogheneruro, PRO; and Chief Howell Omoduare, Auditor.
In his remarks on the occasion, the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani, represented by Mr. Egbedi Ambrose, congratulated the newly inaugurated officials on their emergence and urged them to partner with the state government in ensuring a safe environment.
Also speaking, the State Mines Officer, Engr (Mrs.) Golden Akpataku disclosed that mining was the oldest economic activity in Nigeria, pointing out the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development was created to properly coordinate the solid mineral sector, as a way of diversifying the economy and making it more beneficial to the operators.
While charging the Association to ensure environment sustainability in their operations, Mrs. Akpataku said sand dredging, which was common in Delta, should not be carried out close to any bridge or other public infrastructure, urging the new executive to be transparent and uphold democratic principles.
In his keynote address, the National Chairman of the Association, Comrade Dele Ayanleke, represented by Engr. Fatai Jimoh, noted that the mining industry was a key to growing Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and consisted of licensed miners, authorized lease holders, processors, marketers and consultants in the solid mineral sector. He cited the Mining Act of 2007, amended in 2011, as the enabling law of mining activities in the country, and urged members to be restrict their operations to the provisions of the law and in line with environment-friendly best practices as well as guard against quackery in the mining profession
In his acceptance speech after subscribing to the relevant oaths, the new Chairman of the Delta chapter of the Association, Chief Kenneth Odita, thanked members of the body for the confidence reposed in the new executive, promising to take the Association to greater heights.
Chief Odita commended the National body of the Association for conducting a free, fair and credible election and solicited the cooperation and support of all members in moving the Delta chapter forward.
Goodwill messages were presented by representatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps,(NSCDC) the Department of State Service (DSS) the Police, among others.
