By Ayodele Oni
The Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development will commence airborne geophysical survey in 19 states of the Federation, starting with Kwara state on June 21.
The survey is expected to cover seven local government areas of the state, with the aircraft deployed for the mission flying at low altitudes.
The programme, is being organised through the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (MINDIVER), a World Bank-assisted project.
These facts were made known during a courtesy visit to Deputy Governor of Kwara state, Kayode Alabi, by the Director General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) Dr Abdulrazaq Garba.
According to him, the first phase of the project would commence at the Ilorin International Airport, saying the Airborne Geophysical Survey is designed to generate information about potential mineral resources in a particular area which could hasten investments.
“The mission will take place in Asa, Ilorin West, Moro, Oyun, Irepodun, Offa, and Oke Ero. The information to be generated would be beneficial because mining sector depends on geo-science information.”
He urged residents of the state not to panic either as a result of the loud noise of the aircraft due to the low flying altitude to be maintained by the aircraft or the pattern of movement of the aircraft.
“The Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development is one of the key Ministries which the present administration intends to use to diversify the Nation’s economy.
“The Ministry is supposed to generate geoscience information to promote the mining industry.
“In recent time, the Ministry has carried out some geochemical activities in the state.
“The Ministry has invested in the National Integrated Mineral Exploration Project through which some surveys have been carried out in somewhere at Lafiagi Gbugbu axis; so a team of experts will be coming to the state to determine sub-surface extension of the potentials of mineral resources in the state.
“Our mission here is to essentially notify you of the intention of the Federal Government to carry out Airborne Geophysical Survey and solicit for your support in the areas of security and information dissemination.”
Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi said the project aligns with present administration’s vision of diversifying the state economy and change its narrative from civil service state to an industrialised one.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Joel Modupe, stated that Mr Alabi assured the team of the State Government’s support to ensure the realisation of the project.
He appealed to the people of the state to remain calm and go about their business wherever they notice the commencement of the exercise.
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