A VISIT TO HON AMERE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY OFFICE

A VISIT TO HON ABDULGAFAR AKONTAYO AMERE CONSTITUENCY OFFICE

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trail and suffering can soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved” -Helen Keller

Criticism is an integral part of life not peculiar to politics alone, it's a crucible in which characters are tested.

The build up to the reelection of Hon Abdulgafar Akintayo Amere to the federal house of representative was really a tensed one. It was full of drama, intrigues and of course politics. The election has come and gone and whether he was the masses favorite then has become history today. The beauty of it all is that he remains the lawmaker representing Iwo Federal Constituency in the lower chamber and the best any AYIWOLA indigenes can do is to support him and pray for a better representation from him.

As a concern indigene of the constituency, I was poised to visit the constituency office of Hon Akintayo Amere located along the popular Feesu road, just behind the AUD Elementary School. The visitation was born out deep burning passion to see for myself the newly completed ICT center facilitated by Hon Amere and as well ask questions on the various programs our dear honorable have for the good people of Iwoland. Besides that, I was as well fascinated with some various intervention of Hon Amere in the last seven months of his second term in office. Notably among these are the renovation of the Onto house immediately our king was appointed late last year. Donation of 2000litres of Diesel to Reality Radiovision Services to ease the problem of power the station is battling, building of a block of three classroom at Amere village and the recent facilitation of an Insurance Company to Iwo, a company according to the office of the honorable, that will employ hundreds of our teeming youths. I personally got attracted with the facilitation of a company to Iwo and concurrent recruitment of jobless youths in our environment and that singularly motivated me to visit the constituency office.  And of course I met the staff of the company at the constituency office, training tenths of youths in one of the halls within the ICT complex. I got to interact with the staffs of the company and I saw light at the end of the tunnel. It was really a laudable one.

Unemployment has been a major setback in the quest of our collective development as a constituency. And all hands must be put on deck to make sure unemployment is reduced to the minimum. And that's why Hon Amere must be commended for that bold step in bringing succor to our teeming youths. Also I was able to understand that the ICT center is now open for general use.

My very good brother, Mr Ajayi Fatai Seyinde was really helpful in taking me round the ICT centre despite the fact that it was an impromptu visit. He equally lectured me on program Hon Akintayo Amere has for his people, among other discussion.

While I want to commend Hon Amere and his staffs for feeling their impulse in the last seven months, it's imperative to note that there is always room for improvement. The expectation of average citizen of Iwo is high. Honorable must not rest on his oars. We want to see more from him in days to come. His policies and programs must be people oriented. I want to believe his best is yet to come. May God help him.

ILE IWO YI O GBE WA OO...

Yusuff Ola-Gold, Mutalub
21/01/2016

RAI Foundation Felicitate with Oluwo

RAI FOUNDATION FELICITATE WITH THE OLUWO


 The board of directors and the entire members of RAI FOUNDATION heartily felicitate with the Oluwo of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi ILUFEMILOYE TELU 1 on the occasion of the official presentation of the staff of office and coronation that will comes up on Saturday, 16th of January, 2019.

In a message released by the foundation, the founder of the RAI Foundation Sir Rufai Adeniyi Ismail felicitate with the monarch on his historic ascending of the stool of his forefathers and pray for good health, wisdom and understanding for the king in order to pilot the ancient town to the promise land.

Sir RAI affirmed to the fact that its now a new dawn in Iwoland and enjoin all true sons and daughters of the land to support the monarch in his effort to redeem the lost glory of Iwo. He assured the populace that the king will definitely bring forth his wealth of experience and exposure in ensuring and advancing the course of developing Iwo.

Rufai Adeniyi Ismail also assure the people of Iwoland of greater humanitarian services to them through RAI foundation. He said the foundation will double his effort in bring succor to the good people of Iwo through different developmental programs the foundation will be embarking on.

Opportunities in Solid Minerals; a question and answer session with Prof Yekeen

Opportunities in Solid Minerals, Iwoland in Focus, a question and answer session featuring  Prof  Yekeen of the department of geology, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

As compiled by Yusuff Ola-Gold, Mutalub.


Dear Professor Yekeen Sir, you are welcome IDC on whatssap

Prof Yekeen : Thanks


Question: Prof Sir , how can mining industry contribute to Nigeria economy.  Can other minerals compete with Crude oil?


 Prof Yekeen : Minerals are everywhere. But they have to be in economic quantities to be mineable, otherwise it will not be worth the efforts. Before oil was discovered in Nigeria, minerals were the mainstay of the economy

Question: What mine-able minerals Iwoland has

 Prof Yekeen : Surficially, Iwo area is rich in granitic rocks. Pockets of pegmatites which are believed to be rich in exotic minerals also exist

Question: Sir, which is better refining the mineral here or selling the raw minerals??

Prof Yekeen: It depends on the prevailing economy and government policy

Question: Dear Prof, sir, Please tell us which is economically better (please take employment and shopping/ tourism to considerations) between refining here and selling our solids raw?

Prof Yekeen: Local refining will create more jobs. Starting with equipment fabrication. Through actual mining and beneficiation. I think tourism is out of it because nobody visits old or functional mines for relaxation here in Nigeria

Question: You said the minerals are everywhere, won't its mining has effect on agriculture because the same land used for planting is also where mining will be done??

Prof Yekeen : Cost-Benefit Analysis will be carried out  during EIA. Usually there is plan for environmental restoration. There are several ways of doing this.
Question: What is EIA?

 Prof Yekeen : Environmental Impact Assessment
Case example: Limestone has been mined and processed in Ewekoro for years. Farmlands have been affected. Compensations are paid, local employment is provided, and corporate social responsibility is ensured ...in terms of provision of amenities (schools, water, electricity, health facilities, recreation centres, etc. In some places, abandoned mine ponds are stocked with  fish fingerlings. Mine tailings are even used to fill some cavities.

Question : Prof sir, is there any intervention fund available for mining company in Nigeria, if yes can we know the procedure?

 Prof Yekeen: Just like any other business in Nigeria, intervention exists through the provision of loan facilities, as well as moratorium in tax payment. But I think the detail can be obtained from Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals

Question: Dear sir,  what are the advantages of the exploitation of all these minerals to the host community?

Prof Yekeen: Compensations are paid, local employment is provided, and corporate social responsibility is ensured.  .....in terms of provision of amenities (schools, water, electricity, health facilities, recreation centres, etc.)  Of course, there are also disadvantages. However, these can be minimised with proper mine planning, evaluation and post mining restoration of the environment. Civil societies are always there to ensure that the right things are done. 😊

Question:  Can individual be given permission to mine on his own land? If yes, what are d processes involved?

Prof Yekeen : Land Use Decree stipulates that all lands belong to the Federal government Government. It is advisable to carry out  geological investigation to first ascertain that what you have on your land is mineral deposit, and not just mineral occurrence. Then the area can be charted and the coordinates sent to Cadastral Office to see if the area has not be acquired for the same purpose. Then you can follow up by applying for mining permit. I'm sure some amounts of money have to be involved.

QUESTION: What types of minerals are found in the pegmatitic vein in this part of the country and how viable are they in the market?!

Prof Yekeen : The geologist is referred to "Minerals and Industry in Nigeria", a publication of the Geological Survey of Nigeria,  now NGSA.😊 On a serious note, you can only see when you look. Mineral exploration is not a one-day work. It is equally capital intensive. For a do-it-yourself, I suggest you purchase a copy of the Geological Map of Nigeria. It is available in soft copy from NGSA Office, Abuja.😀

Question: How can minerals and its quantity be detected locally and is there any benefits to host community from the government?  If yes explain sir

Prof Yekeen: Minerals' quality and quantity can be obtained through EXPLORATION. That is the essence

Question: Sir, as we all know mining is a very capital intensive sector. How can individual get license to operate a mine and as well supporting funds from government?


Prof Yekeen : Thanks, Abu Haneefah. Getting a license should not be difficult. What is more difficult is the fund. But this depends on your scale of operation. The bigger the head, the bigger the headache! There are cottage/artisanal  mining industries with little financial base. The Bank of Industry is there to assist. The Central Bank, I heard,  also finances such project. First thing first: do your homework in terms of exploration. And your market survey.

Question: Can the host community or a group of people in the community be given licence to be mining the land?

And is there a bank in Nigeria that empowers community miners like that of agriculturists?

Prof Yekeen: Host community can float a mining company. A couple of years ago, SMEDAN commissioned my university to carry out a survey on artisanal mining in Nigeria. I'm sure the agency will be willing to assist small and medium scale mining outfits. Bank of Industry is meant for ALL industries 😊.
 If there are no more questions..... My time is far spent😊😊😊

Question: From my observation, no state can be more blessed than than Kogi state in term of iron deposit and that hence the reason for the siting of Ajaokuta steel rolling.
Up till moment, the country has not utilized up to 1% of the aim of the plant.

Now, what encouragement do you want to give us as a professor that going into tapping of these mineral resources in our land, we will be be encourage by government having it in mind that, no community has freedom of mining or exploration without the approval of government.
Thanks.

Prof Yekeen : Our forefathers were smelting iron ore in those days, but in little quantities. Evidences are replete. But as a community, you can start smelting in small quantities and you will still make a difference.  That is what SMEDAN wants. There are lots of things wrong with Itakpe vis a vis Ajaokuta steel industry. But I'm a geologist, not a policy maker!😊

Question: Please Prof, who are the target markets for these raw materials?

Prof Yekeen: Thanks. It depends on the semi-processed raw material. Pharmaceutical industry, construction industry, paper manufacturing, rubber industry. Electrical and electronics industry, Food industry,  Beverage

Question: How beneficial is mining to an individual and what are the requirements involved in starting up mining on one's land.  
Thank you.

 Prof Yekeen: Thanks. Mining is as beneficial as any legitimate business. It also has its own risks, though


Question: Please Prof, which part of Iwo and its environs do we have these raw materials in commercial quantities?

Prof Yekeen : I have explored for Granitic rocks in Eleha area. I was looking for granites, and I saw granites. I was happy,  and my client was happy.😊
Commercial quantity, and good quality too

Question: What are the academic like you doing to make the geological map readily available to everyone and when was the last time the map was updated?!

 Prof Yekeen : You may see if you look; you may see better if you look harder. Geological mapping is just one step in mineral exploration. As an academic of 33 years experience, as a registered and practising geoscientist, I have carried out SEVERAL  exercises for individuals and corporate bodies. Therefore, we are doing a lot!

Question :Sir, could you please tell us when last geological map was updated?

Prof Yekeen: NGSA produced an updated version less than 10 years ago. It depends on what you need a geological map for. You may not need an update to work. In some geological work, the older the better!  Quite funny

Question:As Yoruba elders usually say' Yinni yinni keni semi' Thanks for your time sir. Pls,Can u intimate us briefly the stratagem of this present administration in mineral sector perhap it can be of help sir?

 Prof Yekeen: Geology goes beyond the surface  or even immediate subsurface
Ah! Buhari administration just came on board. I'm not sure if Dr Fayemi, the minister, has finished studying the files. So, I can't say where the thinking will be directed. However, the government's body language is tilted towards diversification from oil. And I think solid minerals and agriculture are  good stead to be favoured.



 It's our collective pleasure, sir!
On behalf of HRM Adewale Akanbi, the other royal fathers, the IDC and entire people of Iwoland, I say thank you.
God bless you!
Warafanau makana aliyah!

Presentation of staff and official coronation of Oluwo

Saturday , 16th of January 2016 is the official presentation of staff of office and coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adewale Akanbi .

This serve as an invitation to all sons and daughters of Iwoland, both home and abroad, and of course friends and well wishers to this historical occasion.

May God in His infinite mercy spare our lives till then.

Gbogbo eyin Omo ilu Iwo, eku orire ooo...

Iwo yio gbe gbogbo wa ooo

FILSU ELECTION STALEMATE; WAY FORWARD

FILSU ELECTION STALEMATE; WAY FORWARD?!

What happened on 28th of DEC, 2015 is the best we could get out of that day as far as am concerned. No sane man we expect election to go on in such a tensed atmosphere. The worst would have happened if I may say, putting into consideration the machineries on ground from different quarters if the election eventually go on.

And of course no true sons of the soil would expect to elect a credible candidate in such a scenario or rather expect a free and fair election with series of allegations and  counter allegations from the leading contestants, couple with the imperfection of the electoral body. The radicalism the majority of the students displayed was the best at that very point in time and it simply showed how conscious majority of Iwo youths are politically. Though its shameful such could happen at this era of our development.

The election simply tell us the decay in our society, the level at which our land, Iwo has degenerated into. An awkward situation where leading political figures in the land we go all out with all their arsenal simply to influence a students union election for their selfish interest. While I agree to the fact that there is leverage for anyone to have interest in any candidates of his/her choice, my point is that the way they go about it was not the right way in any sane society.

It's just a shame we found ourselves in such abyssal condition and I fear for the future of our land. A situations whereby fathers use their sons to play politics of hatred and bitterness, using FILSU to settle political scores that have been lingering within themselves. Its just totally shameful.

I applaud the courage of all FILSUITES and like I said earlier, cancellation of the election as witnessed on that day is a victory for Iwoland students. Only the wise ones will understand my point here. We can always go back to round table and fashion a way to salvage the union from this present mess.

Shameless politicians can't just hijack our Union for their own ulterior motive. We must not allow such to happen. Electing any of the presidential candidates on that very day would have been a dent to our union integrity and sincerity of purpose. FILSU is an independent body. Its for students and students alone. Excesses of these politicians must be restricted with everything . And that is where radicalism comes in. Only radicals can successfully run our Union and not rascals.

While I commend the peaceful conduct of all Iwo students after the imbroglio, I enjoin us to  maintain such sense of responsibility until lasting peace is obtained.

This is a time to speak in one voice. We have never had it so bad like this in recent time. And we have all it takes to right the wrongs. We can do this. We must repel the activities of these politicians . They meant no well for us. They must not be allowed to hijack the union. This is the best way to start. Other lingering problems from stakeholderism to rascalism within the Union and many other obvious problems could easily be solved if these good for nothing politicians from all quarters stay away from the elections activities. They are the bane of the present imbroglio. Nothing more.

Yusuff Ola-Gold, Mutalub.
06/01/2016