Mines,Steel Ministry intensifies effort on geological, data information for Economic growth
The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, wish to further notify the people of Ondo State that the Federal Government in continuation of its quest to improve the availability of geological information and data and enhance the diversification of the economy is still embarking on an airborne geophysical survey within and around the State.
The activity which is being supported by the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (MinDiver) is carried out by an international Consultant called Excalibur, and involves the use of yellow coloured small aircrafts fitted with aeromagnetic lenses to carry out aeromagnetic surveys in additional areas in selected states of the federation which Ondo State is among.
This was contained in a statement signed by Ishaku Kigbu, Media/ Communication Officer,Mineral sector support for Economic Diversification Project in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
Kigbu explained that as part of the activity in the new carved out areas, Kwara, Kogi, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Delta and Benue States will experience the flying of these specialised aircrafts at very low altitude in a repeated pattern of movement to capture magnetic anomalies.
In Ondo State, areas the aircraft will fly at low altitude to pick geological information and data include Ifelodun, Ofosu, Oke – Igbo, Akure South, Akure North, Owo, Ose, Akoko North, Akoko South LGAs.
The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, wish to further state that to mitigate the impact, palpable fears and tension within Communities and the Local Governments mentioned, the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (MinDiver) has deployed a team to Sensitise communities within the affected States.
This has become very necessary given the security situation in the country and to ensure that the people are not misinformed or dis-informed as the Governorship elections approaches in States.
Moreso, the need for the Sensitisation/enlightenment/publicity has become necessary given reports of tension in communities upon sighting the repeated pattern of movement and noise of the aircraft in some States.
The Project wish to state that the aeromagnetic activity carried out by Xcalibur is not done by any helicopter but a small yellow coloured aircraft which has capacity for only a pilot inside it – and therefore, does not carry more than one person. It is specially designed for capturing geological information and nothing more.
The public may recall that the Airborne Geophysical Mapping Survey started in June 2021, and a robust sensitisation and enlightenment campaign was carried out in the 19 States involving State Governments that were to be covered by the activity.
The program experienced overlaps due to weather conditions and logistical reasons but has been progressing well since it started.
This sensitisation exercise is to further re-sensitise the people of Ondo State not to panic upon sighting the aircraft, noting that the reassurance is necessary given the current security situation in the country coupled with the heightened electioneering season.
The activity has achieved over 40% success in data acquisition and theherefore remains very safe.
The people of Ondo State should not misconstrue this activity as attack on the people or panic but note that it is a continuation of data acquisition in the affected areas of the State.