Plateau State Commissioner for Petroleum, Environmental and Solid Minerals Degradation Awareness Association (PESMDAA), Mr. Kumshi Yunana, has pledged the organisation’s commitment to raising awareness on the environmental impact of illegal mining and other harmful activities in the state.

Kumshi explained that PESMDAA was a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with a nationwide presence, which was established two years ago but now has structures at the grassroots level.

He spoke in Jos with a few journalists, saying that the association has nine core mandates, with its primary focus on public enlightenment and intelligence gathering to mitigate illegal mining, oil bunkering and land degradation.

The commissioner explained that they were not working in isolation because PESMDAA complements the government’s efforts at all levels.

Kumshi said, “Though our work is voluntary, government support will certainly enhance our reach and impact.”

He emphasised that the association had gained acceptance across communities due to its track record, calling on the people of Plateau to desist from illegal mining, which he described as a leading cause of land degradation and environmental harm.

Re-affirming PESMDAA’s resolve to continue advocating sustainable environmental practices, Kumshi urged community stakeholders and local governments to cooperate with the body for more effective intervention.