By Dare Akogun
The Kwara State Government has charged Artisan Miners Association to ensure payment of annual dues to the state government to enhance revenue generation.
The State Commissioner for Solid minerals Development, Hon. Abosede Olaitan Buraimoh, gave this charge in Ilorin today while hosting the Association in the conference room of the ministry.
Hon. Olaitan Buraimoh urged the members of the association, also known as Abule to synergize with the ministry to enable them meet with the expected target from the state government.
She appreciated the state government for providing adequate security for the good of Kwarans to enable them go about their normal businesses.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajia Afusat Nike Ibrahim, stressed the need for cordial relationship between the ministry and the association, especially on the payment of revenue to the state government.
Hajia Ibrahim emphasized the need for a full data collection and digital registration of artisans in order for the association to be well captures in the scheme of things.
She therefore encouraged them to follow the ministries regulations in the discharge of their activities in their respective Local Government Areas.
Earlier, the chairman of Asa Local Government, Alhaji Wahab Bolakale, also speaking on behalf of other chairmen, appreciated the state government for the creation of Ministry of Solid Minerals Development which will handle all issues relating to their activities.
He implored the State Commissioner to assist them through the state government for possible intervention that would assist the miners in the state. He promised to give full support of his members to the state government in area of revenue generation n provisions of data of members as required.
Present at the meeting were the chairmen of four Local Government Areas in the state – Asa, Ifelodun, Irepodun, Oke – Ero and their executives.