By Palma Ileye
Federal Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, in a bid to actualize the progressive initiatives outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda has convened a Step-Down Retreat for its Staff and Stakeholders in the sector.
The retreat, held under the theme “Delivering on the Eight Presidential Priorities,” served as a platform to discuss strategies for advancing the sector’s growth and unlocking its vast potential for sustainable development.
Speaking yesterday during the retreat, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Oladele Alake reiterated the importance of prioritizing the Solid Minerals sector to drive economic growth in Nigeria.
Alake highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to delivering on Priority Area four, which focuses on unlocking energy and natural resources for sustainable development.
He emphasized the critical role of the sector in catalyzing economic growth, also expressing confidence in the collective efforts of Stakeholders to positively impact the Nigerian economy.
Reflecting on the Ministry’s mandate to develop a comprehensive developmental strategy, the Minister underscored the importance of diligence in achieving set objectives.
He drew parallels between Journalism and Management practices emphasizing the need for productivity and alacrity in delivering tasks.
He urged Staff Members to uphold diligence in their roles.
He further outlined the Ministry’s Seven Point Agenda, a transformational vision aimed at industrializing and globalizing the solid minerals sector.
The agenda, includes initiatives such as establishing the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation and promoting community empowerment through remediation, represents a comprehensive roadmap for sectoral growth and development.
Throughout the retreat, Stakeholders engaged in fruitful discussions, sharing best practices and innovative strategies to realize the eight presidential priorities and eighteen deliverables outlined by the Federal Government.
Alake emphasized the inclusive nature of the retreat, encouraging participants to contribute their ideas towards achieving set objectives.
In a departure from traditional proceedings, he invoked biblical wisdom, urging stakeholders to embrace diligence in their work. Quoting from the Book of Proverbs, as he underscored the importance of diligence in achieving success, challenging participants to reassess their commitment to their roles within the Ministry.
As the retreat concluded, he expressed gratitude to Stakeholders for their participation and commitment to advancing the solid minerals sector.
He applauded local and foreign investors for their resilience and enthusiasm, pledging continued support from regulatory agencies to facilitate their success in the sector.
Alake reiterated the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to driving sectoral growth and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration and diligence in achieving set objectives, reaffirming his confidence in the collective efforts of Stakeholders to realize the sector’s full potential.
In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe said the retreat marked a pivotal moment to reflect on the progress made thus far and the challenges that lie ahead in the collective efforts to advance the Solid Minerals sector.
Ogbe said, “Under the visionary leadership of our esteemed President, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we gather to align our strategies with the eight crucial priorities outlined for national development.
“Guided by President Tinubu’s vision, our Ministry is dedicated to unleashing the vast potential of the Solid Minerals sector to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP and foster economic prosperity. Through sustainable mining practices, we aim to create jobs, drive industrialization, and promote inclusive growth across the nation.
“As we embark on this journey, let us seize the opportunity presented by this retreat to critically assess our progress, identify areas for improvement, and chart a course for the future. I urge each participant to actively engage in constructive dialogue, share insights, and propose innovative solutions that will propel the solid minerals sector forward and realize our shared vision for a prosperous Nigeria.”
