Following the assumption of Office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in May 2023; The mining sector of our dear country has never remained the same. It has grown tremendously both in revenue and contribution to the gross domestic product of the country.
The biblical saying that the stone rejected by the builders has become the chief corner stone of the building- is ever true. Under the present administration and in line with its renewed hope agenda; the mining sector of the economy is steadily growing to be its focal point for diversifying the economy and; for unlocking our untapped vast mineral resources (more than 34) buried underneath our soil as a viable and alternative source of wealth for the benefit of Nigerians.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, having an astute and visionary leader at the helm of affairs; HM Dr. Dele Alake has implemented its seven point agenda in every ramifications. So far, it has proven to be the elixir and game changer, requisite for repositioning a once comatose sector.
Since assumption of Office of Dr. Dele Alake as the Minister, several initiatives and policies of the Ministry have sanitized and reformed the sector and strengthen regulations; all in a bid to make the mining fields safe and enhance its operating environment.
Flowing downwards, is the realization that since several milestone achievements have come to play in the sector to the admiration of stakeholders and captains of industry and, policy makers in government; Dr. Dele Alake instituted a special radio programme that will educate and inform the public through the airwaves-this is the genesis of the Ministry’s special radio programme broadcasting mining stories in collaboration with the Radio Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria-vital information organs with extensive networks across the country to reach out to local and foreign audiences.
It is pertinent at this juncture to state that Dr. Alake intended to make an average Nigerian believe that the mining sector is the next crude oil. Forging a collaborative partnership with Radio Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria has therefore left an indelible mark in our Listeners psyche.
It will therefore interest our Listeners to know that broadcasting mining debuted May 2024, still waxing strong to the delight of Listeners -featuring every inch of enunciated policies in the Ministry’s seven-point agenda. A behind the scene activity before going on air begins with an editorial meeting every Tuesday to review, discuss next topic of focus and strategize on whom to interview as our next resource person on air. Having Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, Special Adviser to the HM, as the Chairman Editorial meetings created an aura of seamless connections with operators, experts and captains of industry for interviews and ensuring programme sustainability as well.
But who are the other members? Special Assistant to HM on Broadcasting, Lara Owoeye-Wise; both Producers from Radio Nigeria and VON (Mrs. Rabi Momoh and Hajia Hauwa Gidado), Deputy Director Press, Mr. Alaba Balogun; HM Videographer, Alhaji Idris and Tony Ekpo, Asst. Chief Inf. Officer.
So far so good, Directors-General/CEOs of Agencies of the Ministry have been interviewed and featured prominently on air, with meaningful expose’ on their mandates and achievements, commentaries on regulatory policies for the sector.
For instance, Engr. Simon Nkom, Director-General of Mining Cadastre Office MCO has enlightened our Listeners at different times on various issues surrounding application for Mining License, review of rates of Royalties, mining Lease etc.
Similarly, operators and experts have enlightened the public during the programme on some of Nigeria’s priority seven critical minerals eg. Gold, Coal, Lithium, Baryte, Lead-Zinc and Bitumen. Feelers from Hauwa Gidado Producer (VON) over Listener ship from countries across the world indicated twenty one nations in the past thirty days; spanning Europe, Asia, Africa and American continents.
Again, it was recorded that there were 736,500,000 impressions, referring to Listeners searches, saves and, including those people who tuned in and out; thus, encompassing everyone that came across the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development special programme on airwaves, transmitted by VON.Besides, a cursory analysis further tells us that global representation of different countries in our programme showed that China, the US and India stand out, making up 37% of the total.
This indicates these three countries have significant impact as dominant players. Furthermore, European influence is also substantial with a mark of 29% by Listeners from the UK, Germany, France and Russia.
While Asia’s growing importance make up 35% among the Chinese, Indians, Indonesians and South Koreans. Africa’s notable contribution amounted to 17% global representation spanning Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, D.R.Congo, Ghana. Meanwhile, the US, Canada, Mexico and Columbia together account for 23%, showcasing the America’s significant presence. From the foregoing, Hajia Hauwa quoted feedback(s) from Listeners as saying- global diversity is crucial for our program’s success as well as, regional representation to enhance balanced perspectives. Secondly, content quality should be consistent to keep our audience engaged. Thirdly, the Ministry/VON must strive to optimize its Spotify content for better discoverability and lastly, considering collaborations or promotions to further boost our reach.
Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Press, MoSMD (as he then was).
Source: ALAKE ON RESCUE MISSION, a publication of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, MoSMD.
