Ebonyi’s Solid Minerals: From Heritage to Economic Catalyst
To mark Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s second anniversary in office, the Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation, in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Solid Mineral Development and Ebonyi State University (EBSU), convened a groundbreaking event themed: “Solid Mineral Resources: The Government and the People, 2023–2025.”
The event drew policymakers, community stakeholders, academic leaders, and youth to the EBSU campus. It was a strategic conversation about how Ebonyi’s mineral wealth can power sustainable development, job creation, and inclusive growth.
The Solid Minerals Conference began with a deeply symbolic moment, Professor Ike-Elechi Ogba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Ebonyi State University, broke the kolanut, a sacred tradition in Igbo culture.
The kolanut ceremony is more than ritual—it is a gesture of unity, peace, and welcome. In Igbo tradition, no meaningful gathering begins without it. It signifies the blessing of ancestors, the dignity of dialogue, and communal consent for fruitful deliberation. This act set the tone for a conference deeply rooted in cultural heritage and collective vision.
The Governor’s Vision: Minerals for People, Not Just Profit
Representing His Excellency Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Business Development, Chief Oguzor Offia-Nwali, delivered a keynote address that reaffirmed the state's unwavering commitment to transforming the solid minerals sector.
Governor Nwifuru praised the conference as “a timely intervention” and emphasized his belief that mineral resources must be a blessing, not a burden. He outlined the government’s plans to:
Empower communities through Community Development Agreements (CDA)
Curb exploitative and illegal mining
Develop critical infrastructure including a cement factory, battery factory, salt industry, and a metallurgical testing institute
Government & Academia: A Powerful Collaboration
The Hon. Chidi Onyia Emmanuel, Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, described the conference as the first of its kind in Ebonyi State, and credited its success to the Governor’s "People’s Charter of Needs" agenda. He highlighted key strides made under the current administration, including:
The resolution of over 100 disputes between host communities and mining operators
The acquisition of strategic mineral licenses to expand the state's economic reach
Strengthened enforcement against illegal mining activities
These achievements reflect a broader commitment to structured growth and inclusive development in the solid minerals sector.
The knowledge-sharing continued with industry leaders. Mr. Donald Ahamefuna Nnadi, MD/CEO of Dolf Global Resources, delivered an engaging lecture on community inclusion and wellbeing, stressing the importance of corporate social responsibility and effective implementation of community development agreements (CDAs).
Also contributing was Mr. Isaac Okorie, Director of the Economic Geology Department at the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, who offered valuable insights into exploration techniques and the role of research and development in achieving sustainable mining outcomes.
Echoing this, Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba remarked:
“At Ebonyi State University, we reaffirm our commitment to this journey. We stand ready to work hand-in-hand with government and the ministry to inform policy, conduct research, and train the next generation of mineral sector professionals.”
The People’s Perspective: Empowerment Through Partnerships
Delivering a heartfelt address, Mrs. Chioma Ike-Elechi Ogba, CEO of the Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation, said:
“This initiative reflects our belief that Ebonyi’s mineral resources are not just economic assets but a key part of our cultural heritage. We are proud to be working alongside the Governor and EBSU to ensure that these resources become tools for education, entrepreneurship, and inclusive prosperity.”
Communiqué: A Collective Commitment to Action
At the end of the conference, a detailed communiqué was presented by a joint committee of government, academic, and community representatives. It summarized the sector's challenges and actionable solutions.
Weak synergy in mining research
➤ Strengthen collaboration among the Ministry, EBSU, and host communities.Inadequate funding for mining development
➤ Establish a monitoring committee to oversee proper use of mining development funds.Poor implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDA)
➤ Set up a state-led monitoring body for CDA compliance.Low awareness of CDA rights in communities
➤ Organize regular community sensitization programs.No local mineral processing plants
➤ Establish solid mineral processing plants within Ebonyi.Lack of end-product factories
➤ Develop manufacturing factories to enhance local content and job creation.Underfunding of the Ministry of Solid Minerals
➤ Increase budget allocation to at least 20%.No cultural impact assessments in mining areas
➤ Implement cultural evaluations before mining commences.Poor site reclamation post-mining
➤ Enforce mandatory land reclamation to safeguard farming and health.Weak state-level regulation
➤ Create a professional state regulatory committee for compliance oversight.No testing or research centers
➤ Establish a materials and metallurgical testing center at EBSU.
Moving Forward: Shared Prosperity Rooted in Heritage
The conference was more than a ceremonial event—it was a vision-setting milestone. As Ebonyi marks two years under Governor Nwifuru’s leadership, this landmark gathering proved that with strong partnerships between government, academia, and communities, Ebonyi’s mineral heritage can become the bedrock of industrial growth, environmental responsibility, and inclusive economic empowerment.
