Business and Economy
FG Flag-off Gold Processing Cluster in Kogi
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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Governor Ododo Endorses GOBO Initiative, Empowering Small-Scale Entrepreneurs and Vulnerable Populations
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo has thrown his weight behind the Governor Ododo Business Outreach (GOBO) initiative, a program aimed at uplifting marginalized groups and providing economic opportunities at the community level.
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During a strategic meeting with the Kogi State Forum of Senior Special Assistants in his office on 06-11-2024, the Governor expressed his support for GOBO, which aligns with his vision of inclusive governance.
Launched on October 31, 2024, GOBO has already shown positive impact, with increased visibility and support among petty traders and small businesses. The initiative provides sustainable business avenues for those previously lacking access to financial resources and market opportunities.
Hon. Yahaya Shehu Ahmed, Chairman of the Kogi State Forum of Senior Special Assistants, thanked the Governor for his encouragement and support.
The Governor commended the forum’s dedication to GOBO and its commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life, assuring continued support and encouraging ways to deepen GOBO’s impact across the state.
The forum also presented an award of excellence to former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, recognizing his contributions to the state’s growth and effective governance , particularly the choice of Gov Ododo and his Deputy.
This development is consistent with research highlighting the importance of government support for entrepreneurship development in Kogi State.
Shehu noted that Small and medium-scale enterprises have significantly contributed to the state’s economic growth, stressing that the GOBO initiative demonstrates the power of grassroots-driven solutions and inclusive growth, marking a step towards sustainable development in Kogi State.
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Kogi State Government Suspends Mining Activities Over Security Concerns
By Abdulrahman Obaje
The Kogi State Government has suspended all mining activities in the state due to the influx of bandits and negative elements in the sector.
This decision was reached during today’s October 4th, 2024 Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Alh.
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Usman Ahmed Ododo in Lokoja the Kogi State Capital.
While briefing News men after the State Executive Council Meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo said the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources will profile legal mining companies to ensure genuine mining data. This clean-up aims to minimize criminal activities.
He further noted that the State Government would collaborate with federal mines officers and security agencies to enforce strict compliance. “We urge all mining companies to cooperate, as we prioritize security”.
We implore all mining companies to bear with us in this circumstance, as we prioritize security” he said.
The Kogi State Government reassures of its commitment to security and will not condone any form of infiltration or illegal activities.
The suspension has been welcomed by stakeholders, who hope it will address long-standing security concerns in the mining sector in Kogi State.
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Infrastructure Upgrade: Zenith Bank Apologizes for Disruptions, Assures Customers on Improved Services
by Abdulrahman Obaje
Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank, has reassured its customers of improved services following recent infrastructure upgrades.
In a message posted on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 the bank apologised for the service disruptions experienced across its e-channels during the upgrade period.
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The bank clarified that the glitches were a result of routine information and technology maintenance, which is essential for optimizing service delivery.
Zenith Bank emphasized its commitment to ensuring 100% uptime, stating that it takes this responsibility “very personally” and continuously allocates resources to maintain uninterrupted service availability.
In the statement, the bank expressed its sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused to customers during the upgrade process, highlighting that the information technology enhancements are designed to improve the quality of service for its esteemed clientele.
The message reads in part: “Dear Valued Customer, We sincerely apologise for the service disruptions you experienced recently on our banking channels. This was due to an information Technology upgrade aimed at improving the quality of service we provide.
“We have made significant progress with the upgrade and you can now perform transactions conveniently with the following Zenith bank Channels:
Your Zenith Bank Debit Card
The Zenith Bank Mobile App
The Zenith bank Internet Banking Platform
Zenith Agents nationwide (Agent Banking)
“You can also visit any of our branches nationwide to perform your transactions
Please direct all enquiries to Zenith Direct on +234 201 278 7000, 0700ZENITHBANK, 0904 085 7000 Or via email at Zenithdirect@zenithbank.com. Thank you for banking with us”
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