By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State Government has established a new ministry called the Ministry of Mining.
The ministry is expected to geo-map the state and oversee the abundant mining resources within its borders.
According to the statement from the office of the secretary to the state government, Mr Andrew Ijegbai, one of the earliest appointed commissioners has been assigned to lead the new ministry.
Mr. Ijegbai is from the Owan East Local Government Area.
Edo State’s topography reveals it to be rich in solid minerals, including limestone and other resources.
Areas such as Etsako East and Akoko Edo are known to have significant natural deposits of solid minerals that have yet to be fully explored.
Caught in the throes of dwindling revenue and trying to fulfil campaign promises, the state government is eager to seize any opportunities that could provide a much-needed escape route.
Some key advisers to the governor may have suggested tapping into the mining sector’s vast revenue-generating potential to secure funds desperately needed to move the state forward.
This approach is particularly relevant for Gov. Okpeholo, who is dealing with a significant revenue shortfall.
The announcement about the creation of the new ministry was made in a statement issued in Benin by the Secretary to the Government, Mr Musa Umar Ikhilor.
Earlier on Tuesday, Gov. Okpeholo swore in six additional commissioners, increasing the size of his cabinet.
However, none of the six were initially assigned any portfolios.
Shortly after, SSG Musa Ikhilor released a follow-up statement announcing the portfolios for the newly sworn-in commissioners.
Going by the statement released by the SSG, the six newly sworn-in commissioners were assigned different portfolios as part of the efforts to reinvigorate the cabinet as well as make service delivery seamless
While Mr Paul Ohonbamu is to serve as the Commissioner of Information and Communication, Mr Washington Osifo takes charge of Water Resources and Energy
Similarly, Mr Emmanuel Iyamu was posted to the Education Ministry, Dr Lucky Eseigbe holds forte in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Mrs Olabisi Idaomi is put in charge of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
The statement also added that all the commissioners were expected to resume duties in their respective ministries immediately
Okpeholo Creates Ministry of Mining, Assigns Portfolio to newly sworn in Commissioners
