By John Okeke
To strengthen the efforts being made towards realising the mandate of the Ministry, the Federal Government has appointed Senator Gbemisola Saraki as the new Minister of State, (HMS), Mines and Steel Development.
While welcoming the HMS, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, expressed delight that she would bring her wealth of experience from the World Public Service to help the Ministry push beyond its limit.
He noted that the Ministry has done its best so far to fulfill the assigned tasks given by the President to diversify the economy and contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and also create jobs for the citizenry.
Speaking at the occasion, Senator Gbemisola Saraki appreciated the Minister, for highlighting the issues of Mining and the versed window of opportunities therein. She pledged her unflinching support in driving the Sector to greater heights.
She acknowledged the workforce’s friendliness accorded her and implored the cooperation of the Management and Staff of the Ministry to effectively move the Sector forward in order to facilitate national development.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, represented by the Director, Artisanal and Small Scale Mining, Mr. Patrick Ojeka, in her remarks, stated that the Ministry is one of the pivotal stones for economic diversification and has performed creditably well in repositioning the Mining Industry as well as ensuring an astronomic growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Permanent Secretary assured that the Ministry’s technical team, which is made up of 7 technical departments and other service complementary departments have always displayed their wealth of experience in supporting their designated principals.
She assured of maximum support of the Ministry’s workforce to enable her efficiently contribute her quota in the development of the sector.
