News
‘Nigeria, Africa’s New Mining Destination’
Foreign investors at the 2010 International Convention, Trade Show and Investor’s Exchange on Thursday in Toronto-Canada described Nigeria as the new mining destination in Africa.
This followed the presentation of the Airborne Geophysical Survey data of the nation to delegates at the convention.
The Tide’s source covering the conference reports that the survey, which covered two million line kilometre of magnetic gradiometer and radiometric showed the occurrence of new mineralised zones in several parts of the country.
The investors said that having exhausted other parts of Africa, the survey data would encourage them to invest in Nigeria, which they described as a virgin territory, and new destination.
President of the U.S. based Global Exploration and Development Company Benbella Ndive told the source that the survey data was a national treasure which would ensure the continued development of the sector.
Ndive said that the occurrence of mineralised areas as indicated by the survey would make investment more attractive, and exploration easier.
“The presentation of the airborne geophysical survey is fundamental to the development of mining and exploration in Nigeria. For over 40 years, Nigeria relied on oil and gas, and that led to mining companies investing more in Ghana, Bostwana, but with the data, the geology is unique that will encourage investment in the sector , as explorers will have a better interpretation and understanding of the geology,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Tom Jennemann of the American Metal Market, said that the friendly legislation and policy instituted by the Nigerian government would attract and encourage private sector to invest in the sector.
Jennemann urged the government to go beyond conferences and and conventions to market the sector adding, “ with this data, government should carry out wide spread campaign in major international media to create better understanding of the potentialities abound in the sector’’.
According to him, some countries depend on only one or two minerals as their biggest export“ but Nigeria is blessed with many, it should be explored to the maximum’’.
The Director General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, Prof Siyan Malomo, said the response of the investors had been excellent.
He said the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development decided to present the data in Canada because the convention was the largest gathering of world stakeholders in the industry.
“We have been collating data in the last two years. We did not have this type of data, and that is what investors need , so we have to come out to showcase what we have and let them know that we can compete with the countries they go to’’ he said. the source recalls that the survey was carried out in two phases, with phase one covering 44 per cent of the country and phase two covered 56 per cent, and lasted for two years from 2007 to 2009.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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