The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called for stronger support for women in Nigeria’s mining sector, describing their growing participation as a transformative force for national development.
The monarch made the call through his wife, Olori Alade Gbogbo, who represented him at the inauguration of the new Board of Trustees of Women in Mining Nigeria. Speaking to government representatives, private sector leaders, civil society organisations and industry stakeholders, she delivered a message of encouragement, empowerment and bold aspiration on behalf of the Ooni, the Grand Patron of the association.
“Nigeria sits on a vast treasure trove of solid minerals including gold, tin, iron ore and coal, yet for many years the sector contributed only about one percent to our Gross Domestic Product,” she said.
“This underperformance represented a missed opportunity for economic growth and community development.”
She noted that Africa holds more than 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves, positioning Nigeria’s mining sector as a potential game-changer if properly supported with inclusive policies, investment and innovation.
The Ooni commended the increasing role of women across the mining value chain, highlighting their contributions in underground operations, corporate governance, data analysis, environmental management and community leadership. According to him, women are steadily breaking long-held stereotypes in an industry once dominated by men.
“Through grit, resilience and excellence, women are proving that mining is not just a source of jobs, but a platform for innovation, leadership and national development,” she said. “You are role models for the next generation of young girls who will help power this sector forward.”
Citing recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the monarch pointed out that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector now contributes about 4.6 percent to the country’s GDP in recent quarters of 2025, a significant increase from less than 0.5 percent a decade ago. He described the growth as evidence of Nigeria’s gradual diversification away from oil and gas and a sign of expanding opportunities for sustainable wealth creation and job generation.
While congratulating the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees, the Ooni urged members to look beyond economic indicators and focus on the social impact of mining. He stressed that the true value of the sector lies in lives uplifted, communities transformed and opportunities created for women and young people.
He also encouraged young Nigerians to see mining as a viable and respectable career path that offers economic independence, technological advancement and environmental stewardship, provided it is pursued with formal training, ethical standards and innovation.
Despite the progress recorded, the Ooni acknowledged that challenges remain. He called for continued advocacy for policies that expand access to capital, skills training and leadership opportunities for women, as well as sustained investment in education and mentorship.
“To all women in mining — miners, engineers, geoscientists, entrepreneurs, advocates and students — your voice matters and your impact is real,” he said.
“You are changing the face of mining in Nigeria and building a legacy that will empower generations.”
He concluded by thanking members of Women in Mining Nigeria for their dedication, courage and vision, reaffirming his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote gender inclusion and sustainable development in the nation’s mining industry.
