Olawale Adebayo, Lokoja
A group , Women in Mining in Nigeria has tasked the KogiState Government to directs its attention to on the gender based issues in the mining sector in the state in view of its strategic place in the minerals and mining map of Nigeria .
The group also tasked the State government to ensure adequate protection of women and child in mining in Kogi State to attract more women into mining sector.
The founder ,Women in Mining in Nigeria,Mrs. Janet Adeyemimade this call while speaking at opening ceremony of the Research and Policy Dialogue in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital
on Tuesday.
Mrs Adeyemi explained that the role of women mining in KogiState cannot be down played or waived off, stressing that their labour in the mines yields an immeasurable volume of minerals used to service some multi-national industries domicile in the State .
“But why are these women unable to grow in the sector, what barriers are preventing their promotions and upscale? Are these barriers of competence or barriers ofpp gender? Who accounts for the death of female miners in Kogi State .who die the trucksevery now and then? What safeguards have Kogi state , mining sector developed to ensure the safety of our women in mining sites? What policies and implementation plans will be most effective to curb the menace of child labour the Kogi State mining sector?
“These are heart to heart discussions we intend to have in the course of our policy dialogue with stakeholders tomorrow.Thepolicy is a sequel to the Research Validation to be held today.
“It was on the basis that research was carried out to eliminate all the gender related issues to promote mining sector in Kogi State .
“I want to appreciate all stakeholders who made this research a success ranging from the Kogi State Ministry of Natural Resources to the Child Rights Department of Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs down to various community leaders in Kogi State particularly in Ajaokuta mining community and Emiworo.
“As we discuss policy matters with stakeholders tomorrow, we want to challenge the state government especially the State Ministry of Natural Resources to direct its attention to the gender-based issues in the mining sector in Kogi ‘in view of the state’s strategic place in the minerals and mining map of Nigeria, she stressed.
The Founder posited Kogi State hosts some of the largest mining industries in Africa and the state has become a center of attraction.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs ,Hajia Fatima Kabiru Baba explained that the primary assignment of the Ministry of Women Affairs is to protect the rights of the women and child.
The Commissioner who was represented by Mrs.VictoriaIpemida said that the ministry will continue to do its best in ensuring the rights are protected.
