Niger Delta
C’River Moves To Regulate Mining Activities
The Ministry of Solid
Minerals Development, Cross River, has called on mining, milling and processing companies in the state to comply with the ongoing registration aimed at regulating mining activities in the state.
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Mr George O’Ben-Etchi, represented by Dr Gabriel Akpeke, Director of Operations in the Ministry, said this at a meeting with stakeholders in Biase Local Government Area.
Those at the meeting included the Clan Heads, Chiefs of Utoma-Umon and representatives of MESSRS AFRICAN QUARRIES in Biase Local Government Area.
O’Ben-Etchi said that the ministry was set to ensure proper coordination, monitoring, regulation, documentation and generation of a comprehensive database of mining activities in the state.
According to him, the exercise will be done in line with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations 2011.
He also expressed dismay at the operations of mining companies in the state.
“Some of these companies sometimes explore and exploit, to the detriment of the state and their host communities; hence, it is necessary that this registration takes place.
“It will not only help to regulate the activities of miners but also help the ministry to know the number of companies operating in the state.
“It will also guide the host communities on their rights
“The registration will also foster a healthy working relationship among the government, the host communities and investors,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Agnes Ugor, a Principal Environment Health Superintendent in the ministry, stressed the need for mining companies to ensure environmental protection.
According to her, this will ensure that the future generations do not suffer from environmental degradation caused by poor mining activities carried out in the present.
The Clan Head of Utoma-Umon Community, Bassey Effiong, commended the state government for its drive towards restructuring the solid minerals sector in the state.
The clan head promised to ensure that no mining company operated in the area without proper clearance from the ministry.
Also, Mr Agbebia Ashindoitiang, Project Manager, Emmol Drilling Ltd,. who represented MESSRS AFRICAN QUARRIES applauded the ministry for the notice and pledged their readiness to collaborate to achieve success.
Niger Delta
Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday
The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.
Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.
Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.
According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.
The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.
“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.
He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.
On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.
“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.
