BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment towards promoting professionalism in the Nigerian Extractive Industry by checking and eliminating quackery in a sector that is acclaimed to be Nigeria’s huge source of wealth.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr. Oladele Alake asserted during the 13th Induction Ceremony and Accreditation, Certificate Presentation organized by Council of Nigeria Mining Engineers and Geoscientists, according to the statement by the Assistant Director, Information, for Head, Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Chinwe Okwugha on Thursday in Abuja.
Dr. Alake posited that the solid mineral is Nigeria’s huge source of wealth, hence, the need to ensure only professionals are giving operating license in the mining Industry.
“As from today, no Mining Engineer or Geoscientist will be recognized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals without COMEG registration . If you are not registered, you are quack and all reports that come into the ministry must carry stamp of the COMEG registration”, the Minister affirmed.
The Minister at the induction ceremony, emphatically declared that the era in which the country relies on oil for its economic development is over; as the present administration is committed to looking inward for economic diversification. Hence the need to harness God’s given minerals to the country”.
Dr Alake, while congratulating the inductees, urged them to always avail themselves the opportunity to constant learning.
He said: ”You must not take your training for granted, because the country counts on you to bring back its lost glory”.
In his welcome address, the Registar, Council Of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists, Prof. Zachaeus Opafunso, commended the inductees of the Mining Engineers who passed both written and Oral examinations. He also mentioned that an online examination was arranged for members in the Diaspora.
The President of Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) Prof. A. S. Olatunji who was represented by Prof. Shedrack, said the induction program was another landmark recorded since the inception of the Registrar, noting that the exercise is aimed at enhancing professionalism within domine for national growth.
Highlights of the event was the symbolic presentation of the COMEG Accreditation Certificate to the Vice Chancellor Al- hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Prof. Noah Yusuf by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Oladele Alake.