In a recent address, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized the pressing need for Africa, particularly Nigeria, to transition from theoretical approaches to actionable strategies in leveraging the continent’s abundant mineral resources. He highlighted that the extraction of raw minerals without local processing has perpetuated a cycle of poverty, leaving Africa vulnerable to foreign markets and dependent on repurchasing refined products at inflated prices.
Dr. Tofunmi Ogunronbi, in his response to President Tinubu’s address, called for action that resonates deeply as we examine Nigeria’s vast gold mining potential, which remains largely untapped. He stated further that it is imperative to move beyond discussions and develop concrete plans that can transform the gold mining sector into a catalyst for economic revitalization.
As an advocate for economic development, Dr. Ogunronbi has designed a comprehensive strategy to empower 200 artisanal miners through the Imperial Glamour Mining Cooperative Society Scheme in Osun State. He emphasized the importance of providing training and resources to enhance the skills and productivity of these miners. By promoting sustainable practices and modern techniques, he aims to improve their livelihoods and foster economic growth in the region.
Dr. Ogunronbi underscored that while the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI) has laid the groundwork, it must evolve to fully harness available opportunities. He believes that local processing and value addition are crucial for breaking free from dependency on foreign markets.
Dr. Tofunmi Ogunronbi is the Converner of the Imperial Glamour Mining Cooperative Society Scheme in Osun State, where the cooperative aims is to empower 200 artisanal miners for gold mining. Their initiative focuses on providing essential training and resources to enhance their skills and productivity. By promoting sustainable practices and modern techniques, Dr. Ogunronbi is dedicated to improving the livelihoods of these miners and fostering economic growth in the region. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to community development and the responsible use of natural resources. Their scheme will focus on practical activities on gold mining and how to contribute to the country economic reserves.
He also highlighted the global demand for critical minerals, especially in light of evolving technologies, which presents Nigeria with a unique opportunity to reposition itself as a leader in the gold mining sector. However, achieving these ambitious goals requires empowering the right individuals who can contribute their expertise and drive innovation.
Dr. Ogunronbi concluded by urging stakeholders to collaborate and prioritize local value addition, stating that the time has come for Nigeria to transition from mere discussions to decisive actions that will enhance the country’s economic standing and secure a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
