The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has unveiled a 13-episode television series titled ‘Hidden Riches’, aimed at inspiring Nigerians and attracting investments to the untapped opportunities in the solid minerals sector.

The premiere took place over the weekend in Abuja. Produced by Take 7 Media Production, the series will air weekly on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) starting January 25, 2025, from 8:05 PM to 8:30 PM.

Through the first season of the movie, containing 13 episodes, the Ministry aims to engage the public by using entertainment as an educational tool to shift public perception and attract investments toward tapping the full potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary A. Ogbe, stressed the strategic importance of the production.

She said: “The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is committed to fostering innovation, creating awareness, and building capacity in the sector to realize its full potential as a major driver of economic growth and diversification.

“Our partnership with Take 7 Media Production to produce this story is part of our broader strategy to engage stakeholders, inspire young Nigerians, and attract both domestic and international investors to this critical sector.

“This production could not have come at a better time. The Federal Government, under the leadership of our President, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has prioritized the diversification of our economy, and the Solid Minerals sector remains a key pillar of this agenda.”

According to her, the ‘Hidden Riches’ movie aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025, which stresses innovation and inclusiveness in advancing public service delivery.

She added, “We hope that this film will spark meaningful conversations, ignite interest in the solid minerals sector, and inspire action among policymakers, investors, and the wider public.

“Your efforts have brought to light an important narrative that has the power to transform perceptions and open new frontiers for development in Nigeria. I also thank my dynamic and innovative leader, Dr. Oladele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, for his unwavering support and leadership drive in ensuring the sector contributes significantly to the economic growth of our nation.

“To our distinguished guests, your presence underscores your shared commitment to the growth of our nation and your belief in the role of the solid minerals sector in shaping our future.

“As we watch this production, I encourage you to reflect on the wealth and opportunities that lie within Nigeria’s minerals sector and the responsibility we all share in ensuring sustainable development for the benefit of generations to come.”

At the end of the movie premiere, the Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, moderated a five-panel discussion on the movie, noting that the movie’s entertainment value would market the sector on a wider scale, apart from press releases and the different activities of the media office.

The panellists included a Special Adviser to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan; a representative of stakeholders in the solid minerals business, African Industries Group Ltd, Mr Patah Gosh; a representative of Pollyguard Investment Nigeria Ltd, Patrick Odiegwu; the movie’s Executive Producer, Bem Pever; and Tunde Aremu, who spoke on the media’s role in the sector.

Asked to speak on the key message he expects the audience to take away from the movie, producer Bem Pever said, “Drama is an effective medium for communication. While the government has used various methods to inform the public about the potential of the solid minerals sector, we believe storytelling through drama could be even more impactful.

“Stressing that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has been largely overlooked compared to other sectors, he declared that ‘Hidden Riches’ aims to change the narrative.

“We created relatable characters and situations to help audiences connect with the realities of the sector. This way, they can engage with the message on a deeper level.”

Answering questions on the policies and initiatives the ministry is currently implementing to attract private sector investment to the sector, Special Adviser to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kehinde Bamigbetan, noted that the Minister is a guru in strategic communications.

In a statement, the Deputy Director of the Press and Public Relations Department in the Ministry, Kania Maliki Andeyaba, said, “Our strategy is to blend information, entertainment, and communication. By presenting key policy messages in a dramatic format, we aim to subtly embed awareness in the consciousness of Nigerians.”

According to him, there is a need for content-driven storytelling that informs and engages audiences without feeling like a lecture.

“This project has successfully achieved that balance. Our focus is on value addition, increasing Nigerian participation in the mining industry, and tackling illegal mining. One key approach is formalising artisanal miners by encouraging them to form cooperatives, thereby integrating them into the formal economy.”

As the foremost private investor in the solid minerals sector, African Industries Group Ltd’s Mr Patah Gosh was asked to enlighten Nigerians on what motivated his interest in investing in the Nigerian solid minerals sector and the key assurances he needs to proceed.

Stressing that his company has already invested over $600 million in the mining sector, he said that over 4,000 jobs have already been generated.

Noting that Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources, he said that his company is a major player in steelmaking, having operated in Nigeria since 1971.

He called for more support from the Solid Minerals Development Ministry as his company aims to expand into other areas of the sector.

Stating that transportation is a major challenge in the sector as the company mainly relies on road transportation, he urged for the development of railway and riverine transportation systems.

He also pushed for more actions to discourage illegal mining in the sector.

Assessing the current investment climate in the sector in Nigeria, a representative of Pollyguard Investment Nigeria Ltd, Patrick Odiegwu, said that Nigeria has not really started harnessing its abundant resources, as so much is still left untapped.

He noted that the mining sector is very critical in any economy.

Odiegwu also stressed the importance of ensuring that local communities and Nigerians benefit maximally from the resources extracted in the country.

“The top priority should be the development of the local environments where these minerals are sourced. We must also ensure that Nigeria derives maximum benefit from these resources.

“A foreign investor, no matter how strategic, will always repatriate a significant portion of revenue, so our primary focus should be on strengthening local participation,” he said.

Stressing that access to funding is a major challenge for local players, he called for more understanding from financial institutions to improve the situation in the mining sector.

“There is a misconception that mining is highly risky. However, with deep sector knowledge, investors can see the value chain from exploration to production. Education and dissemination of information will help make mining more accessible to Nigerian businesses,” he said.

Tunde Aremu spoke on the roles the media is expected to play in the sector.

According to him, the media should carry out social audits of what has been done in the sector and what is still left undone.

The cast and crew of the movie were introduced to the audience one by one.

A vote of thanks was given by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Broadcast, Lara Owoeye-Wise, who was the initiator of the movie.

The unveiling of the movie premiere was attended by representatives of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretaries of the Mines and Steel and Agriculture ministries, and other representatives from other ministries.

It was also attended by directors and staff of the Solid Minerals Development Ministry and other stakeholders in the sector.