Gov. Adeleke inaugurates revenue, solid mineral committees, vows to recover money owed by mining companies

…Declares war on illegal mining, river pollution

BLESSING AKOROWOSI, Osogbo

As part of efforts to block revenue leakages and boost the economy of Osun, the State Governor, Ademola Adeleke on Monday, inaugurated the revenue committee and solid minerals committee.

The governor further declared some reforms in the revenue and solid mineral sector of the state government with directives for mining companies and revenue generating agencies.

Inaugurating the two separate committees in Osogbo, the State capital, Governor Adeleke vowed to block revenue leakages, increase internally generated revenues, introduce new terms of engagements for revenue collecting agents and review the Osun State Internal Revenue Service.

On the mining sector, he said unpaid solid minerals payments from Segilola and other companies must be recovered and illegal mining halted.

The governor decried the environmental pollution and degradation of the communities without compensation, adding that Segilola gold company has never paid a dime to the Osun State Government for the past 25 years that it has been mining gold in the state.

“Osun state, according to extant laws is entitled to 13 percent derivation from every ounce of gold extracted from our gold and other solid mineral fields. Segilola and other operating companies are expected by law to pay Osun state 13 percent derivation on the value of gold and other solid minerals produced in the last 25 years.

“Till date, we have no record of any payment made by Segilola and other mining companies to Osun state. My administration is determined to recover every penny owed Osun state by companies operating in Osun gold fields.

“Osun state has been subjected to intense environmental degradation arising from activities of mining companies. River Osun has been polluted and our people are dying as related sicknesses are spreading. These are sad realities which none of the mining companies has raised a finger to address.

“My administration will insist on the companies paying for the cleaning up of our rivers and environment. Segilola and other companies operating in our state should take note that cleaning up of our environment is going to be a continous exercise and the resulting expenditure is to be borne by the companies. I will not allow Osun people to continue to be exposed to polluted river water and the state to be so cheated.

“My administration is conducting an audit of Osun assets in the mining sector. All state mining licences already diverted to private possession must be fully recovered. All illegal mining activities must stop immediately. Henceforth, all illegal mining syndicates will be arrested and prosecuted.

“The committee is therefore expected to review the operations of the agency and submit appropriate recommendations to increase internally generated revenue by substantial percentage,” the governor said.

Responding on behalf of the Committee members, the Chairman of the Solid Minerals Committee, Mr. Samuel Oyedokun assured the Governor of their total commitments to carry out the assignments.

“We totally share the passion and commitment of His Excellency for transparency and accountability in the management of Osun mineral assets and revenue inflows. We promise to commence operations immediately and ensure the fulfilment of His Excellency’s various directives,” he noted.

Each of the committee has 14 members. The Chairman of the Revenue Committee is Mr. Sola Adewumi while the Secretary is Mr. Hamsat Solanke.

The Chairman of the Solid Minerals Committee is Mr. Samuel Oyedokun with Barrister Hashim Abioye as the Secretary.

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