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 Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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