BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Federal Government has unveiled a 13-episode movie entitled ‘Hidden Riches’ to inspire Nigerians and attract investments to the potential opportunities inherent in the solid minerals sector.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, through the first season of the movie containing 13-episodes, aims to engage the public, using entertainment as an educational tool to shift public perception and attract investments towards tapping the full potentials of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
According to the statement issued by Ministry’s Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations Department, Kania Maliki Andeyaba on Sunday, the movie was premiered on Saturday 18th of January, 2025 at the Silverbird Cinema, Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja,
The movie produced by Take 7 Media Production is said to be will be aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) every Saturday beginning from 25th January, 2025 between 8.05pm and 8.30pm.
Speaking at the movie premiere, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, explained that the “Hidden Riches” is not just a television series but a strategic platform to educate Nigerians and the global community about the wealth of opportunities beneath Nigeria’s soil.
She said “The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is committed to fostering innovation, creating awareness and building capacity being the sector to realise its full potential as a major driver of economic growth and diversification.
“Our partnership with Take 7 Media Production to produce this story is part of our broader strategy to engage stakeholders, inspire young Nigerians and attract both domestic and international investors to this critical sector.
“This production could not have come at a better time like this. The Federal Government under the leadership of our President, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has prioritised the diversification of our economy, and the Solid Minerals sector remains a key pillar to this agenda.”
According to her, the “Hidden Riches” movie aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025, which emphasizes innovation and inclusiveness in advancing public service delivery.
“We hope that this film will spark meaningful conversations, ignite interest in the solid minerals sector and inspire actions among policy makers, investors and the wider part of the public.” she stated
While thanking the producer, Take 7 Media Production, for their professionalism, creativity and dedication to the project, the Permanent Secretary also commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake for his unwavering support and leadership drive in ensuring the sector contributes significantly to the economic growth of our nation.
Following the movie premiere, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori mederated a panel session of five, where the panelists discussed the impact of the movie ‘Hidden Riches’ and the focus of value addition in the mining sector.
Speaking during the panel, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kehinde Bamigbetan, who delved on the implementing policies and initiatives to attract private sector investment, described the Minister as a guru in strategic communications.
“Our strategy is to blend information, entertainment, and communication. By presenting key policy messages in a dramatic format, we aim to subtly embed awareness in the consciousness of Nigerians.
“This project has successfully achieved that balance. Our focus is on value addition, increasing Nigerian participation in the mining industry, and tackling illegal mining.
“One key approach is formalizing artisanal miners by encouraging them to form cooperatives, thereby integrating them into the formal economy,” Bamigbetan said.
Representative of African Industries Group Limited, Mr. Patah Gosh, who responded to what motivated the company to investing in the sector, disclosed that its company has so far invested over $600 million in the mining sector and over 4,000 employment created.
While emphasizing on the company being the major player in steel making as its started operation in Nigeria since 1971, called for more support from the Solid Minerals Development Ministry as his company aims to expand to other areas in the sector.
Mr. Gosh highlighted transportation as the major challenge in the sector, as the company mainly rely on road transportation, and called for development of railway and riverine transportation systems. He also pushed for more actions to discourage illegal mining in the sector.
Other panelists who contributed to the discussion were representative of Pollyguard Investment Nigeria Limited, Patrick Odiegwu, the movie Executive Producer, Bem Pever, and Tunde Aremu who spoke on the role of the media in the sector.