Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has restated his administration’s commitment to the development of the mining sector as a major catalyst towards the economic reposition of the State.
The Governor made this assertion while receiving a delegation of Mining Finland and it’s network partners at the Government House in Jalingo on Wednesday. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustainable mining activities without negative impact on the environment with resultant improvements in the lives of the citizens in its entirety.
“Taraba state is rich in mineral resources and his administration has the political will to harness these with developmental partners.
Finland is known for it’s excellent model of sustainable mining value chain which his administration will leverage on as catalyst in mobilizing knowledge transfer and training of critical mass of homegrown mining experts equipped with new ways of mining with the right technology. Taraba State is set to be the most environmentally responsible state with well trained manpower in the mining value chain he stated.
The Governor held meetings with officials of Oulu University Mining School in Finland during his visit to Finland. Taraba State and the city of Oulu in January 2024 signed an MoU to deepen collaboration on Education and development of the Mining value chain.
On her part, CEO, April Benjamin and Dawn Communications Limited, a consulting firm supporting the Taraba State on Education and Mining Development Adiya Uri Ngozichukwuka expressed confidence in the ability and competence of members of the delegation and their commitment to deliver on agenda of the Taraba State Government
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Vice chancellor, Taraba State University, Professor Sunday Paul Bako who also expressed his optimism at the prospects of the collaboration. He said plans are in top gear as regards establishing a Mining Engineering Faculty in the institution. He also stated that the current collaboration effort will birth a Centre of Excellence in Mining Development and Innovation in the Taraba State University for research and industry engagement as well as knowledge transfer and academic development
The leader of the delegation and CEO of Mining Finland, Mr Lasse Moilanen told the Governor that his team members are in Taraba State first of solidarity with Taraba State joining the association as an associate member and on an exploratory visit to understand current situation with regards to th development of the mining sector value chain Tabara benefits from the strength and expertise of members of the network
He assured all present that they will deploy their expertise to the development of the State’s mining prospects and potentials. Members of the team also unanimously admitted to being in awe at the magnificence of the Mambilla plateau during their visit to selected mining sites across the State
The delegation included the EU Global Gateway lead at Finnpartnership Julian Blom. Finnpartnership, a Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs business support instrument provides funding for Finnish companies’ long term business partnership abroad.
The team also took time during the mineral site visit to pay homage on His Royal Majesty, Tabon of Mambilla, Dr shehu Audu Baji. He spoke highly of the State Government’s preparedness to work with the experts in terms of bringing development to the people through the best global practices, without degrading the environment.
