Business and Economy
FG Flag-off Gold Processing Cluster in Kogi
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The Federal government on Tuesday carried out the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gold Processing Cluster, located in Mopa, Mopamuro council area of Kogi State.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
Oluwatoyin Akinlade who led the Federal government team for the event said the projects is part of the FG efforts to refocus the economy from oil depended.Dr. Akinlade said the Gold Processing Cluster will also cater for other Gems stones and solid mineral mining activities in the North Central of the country.
“The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has commenced the implementation of programmes aimed at establishing and accelerating mineral value chain activities through the development of a Mineral Mining cluster in each of the six geopolitical zone.
“The objective of the project is to Assembly and coordinate the activities of the artisanal and small scale miners in the identified areas based on the identified mineral type for each geopolitical zone.
“The mining cluster is to provide common facilities and coordinated activities to enable easy formalization of the artisanal miners in the identified zones and avail them an opportunity for mineral value addition, as well as creation of market access.
“Furthermore, the cluster shall be adequately equipped with state of the art equipment for the purpose of imparting modern morning expertise and knowledge into the teeming youths across north Central zone. Provision shall also be made for heavy equipment such as excavators leasing by the artisan miners.”
The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello said the state government will consolidate on the idea of the Gold Processing Cluster in diversifying the economy of the state.
Bello who was represented at the event by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo said, “We thank Mr. President for this project. This will spur the economy of the state. It will create jobs and make Kogi the economic hubs of the country.
“It will increase the trading of the state. This underscore the economic blueprint of the state government in making the state a giant amongst other states in term of industrialization.”
Fanwo who promised that the state will ensure proper security of the projects, urged stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunities.
The Permanent secretary said the project is expected to be commissioned by ending of June, and become operational immediately.
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
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Business and Economy
FG, Afreximbank Assess Nigeria’s Readiness for Africa Energy Bank Commencement
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Ahead of the commencement of operations of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) in Abuja, the Federal Government and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) teams have assessed the country’s readiness to host the bank.
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A statement issued on Thursday by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser, Media and Communications to Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), stated that the assessment followed the visit of Dr. Benedict Oramah, President, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
According to the statement, the visit/assessment was in furtherance of ongoing engagements towards the commencement of operations by the Africa Energy Bank, a landmark initiative expected to transform the continent’s energy landscape.
“The establishment of the bank is a collaborative move between Afreximbank and the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), which will see the bank take off with an asset base of five billion dollars.
“It is projected to grow to 120 billion dollars in five years’ time, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s quest for energy security and sustainability.
“Afreximbank, as a key partner, is transferring her full equity investment in the oil and gas sector, underscoring its commitment to driving energy infrastructure development across the continent.”
Okafor quoted Lokpobiri as reiterating during the meeting, Nigeria’s strong support for the AEB and its pivotal role in unlocking Africa’s energy potential.
He called on industry stakeholders to engage proactively and explore the vast opportunities this initiative presents.
“The bank represents a bold step in ensuring that Africa controls and finances its energy future. It is an avenue for stakeholders to invest in a self-sustaining energy sector that will drive industrialisation, job creation and economic prosperity.
“Nigeria, as a leading oil and gas producer, is well-positioned to leverage this transformative initiative. We encourage industry players to seize this opportunity to invest in Africa’s energy future,” the statement quoted Lokpobiri as saying.
Following the discussions, the minister and Afreximbank president proceeded to the AEB Headquarters for an inspection to assess the level of readiness ahead of the commencement of operations.
The visit provided first hand insights into the bank’s operational preparedness and strategic alignment with Africa’s broader energy development goals.
Speaking on the significance of the AEB, The Afreximbank President, Oramah, emphasised the bank’s role in bridging Africa’s energy financing gap.
According to him, the establishment of the AEB is a game-changer for the continent.
He commended Nigeria for taking the bull by the horn in hosting the AEB headquarters and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas portfolio, as it would not only benefit the sector, but would guarantee immediate benefit for Nigeria.
The bank was initially scheduled to commence operations January this year. (NAN)
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
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Business and Economy
Kogi GOBO Initiative Empowers Petty Traders in Kabba Central Market, Reinforces Support for Governor Ododo
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By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Kogi Forum of Senior Special Assistants (KFSSA) and leaders of the Governor Ododo Business Outreach (GOBO) today 22-11-2024 visited Kabba Central Market to empower local traders and engage community leaders.
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Led by Hon. Yahaya Shehu Ahmed, Chairman and Director General of GOBO, the delegation began their activities with a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi. The traditional ruler commended the initiative and the foresight of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in appointing competent individuals dedicated to improving the lives of citizens.
The team then visited the official residence of the Executive Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Zacchaeus Dare Michael. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of KFSSA and GOBO, noting that the outreach was a commendable step toward bridging the gap between government appointees and the grassroots.
At Kabba Central Market, the GOBO team provided direct financial support to 20 petty traders, including sellers of berneseed, tomatoes, and roasted plantains. Each beneficiary received 50,000 naira to expand their businesses. The gesture aimed to improve the economic situation of the traders and inspire confidence in the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.
The initiative also included plans to monitor the progress of the beneficiaries, ensuring that the financial assistance achieves its intended purpose. Hon. Femi Esemikose and Hon. Augustine Egbebi were tasked with following up on the traders’ activities.
The success of the Kabba-Bunu outreach is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of Kogi West Senatorial District and the state. As the GOBO program continues to expand, more communities will benefit from its efforts to empower individuals and enhance economic development.
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
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Business and Economy
Naira appreciates N28.85 against dollar at official market
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The Naira on Thursday, November 21st, 2024 appreciated at the official market trading at N1,658.67 against the dollar.
Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ Exchange, revealed that the Naira gained N28.
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This represents a 1.7 per cent gain, compared to the previous trading date on Wednesday when it exchanged at N1,687.52 to a dollar.
However, the total daily turnover reduced to 163.66 million dollars on Thursday, down from to 173.29 million dollars recorded on Wednesday.
At the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the Naira traded between N1,707.50 and N1,631.00 against the dollar.
Source: NAN
Author Profile

- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Latest entries
NewsFebruary 21, 2025NLM Rejigs Leadership Structure, Says It’s time for Leadership by Productivity
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Business and EconomyFebruary 13, 2025FG, Afreximbank Assess Nigeria’s Readiness for Africa Energy Bank Commencement