Prince Timothy Okedele Commends SMDF, EFCC For Empowering Artisanal  Miners

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the event was organized through its Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), which held recently in Lagos.

Prince Okedele (Rtd. Customs Officer), and also Chairman, NASSI, Osun State Chapter, commended the organizers for their dedication to improving transparency, financial compliance, and responsible mining practices within Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Prince Okedele acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Mines Officer in Osun State, Engr. Wasiu Adeboye; the Federal Mines Officer for Ekiti State, Engr. Ojo Isaac; and the ASM Officer in charge of Osun and Ondo States, Engr. Bajulaye Aanu.

He also extended warm appreciation to the Executive Secretary of SMDF, Hajia Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, ably represented by Dr. Mathinah Anababa, for her swift and thoughtful fulfillment of transportation, feeding, and hotel accommodation allowances for participants — a gesture described as “commendable and reassuring”.

Okedele also recognized the active involvement of Mr. Danladi from the SMDF Headquarters, Abuja, whose coordination contributed greatly to the program’s success.

He noted the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Engr. Adekilekun Jimoda (Special Assistant to the governor on Natural and Mineral Resources, who doubled as chairman of MIREMCO), Hon Oluwaseun Ajeigbe (S.S.A), members of Women in Mining, Osun State, and Barrister Akin-Ayo Oladimeji, Chairman of Osogbo Oroki ASM Multipurpose Cooperative, including the founders of Olokemeji Radio/TV, Iragbiji, whose participation further enriched the event’s impact.

He called on the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, through the Executive Secretary of SMDF, to create a practical synergy between serious Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM) and licensed excavator and machinery renters.

He emphasized that such collaboration would provide miners with easier access to essential equipment like excavators and earth-moving machines, enhance productivity, and reduce the challenges of manual operations.

Prince Okedele added that this initiative would strongly support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which aims to drive inclusive economic growth through effective utilization of the country’s solid minerals potential.

He stressed that achieving this vision requires a practical, result-oriented approach built on trust, empowerment, and sustainable partnerships between government agencies and genuine artisanal miners.