I will contribute to growth of mining sector – Saraki

Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, the new Minister of State, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) has promised to impact her wealth of experience in the mining sector.

Saraki made this known when she assumed duty, as the Minister of State Mines and Steel Development on Wednesday in Abuja.

“I will try my best to contribute my own quota to the growth of this sector.

“We know how much is our solid mineral reserve in this country but we have concentrated more on crude oil for decades,” she said.

It was reports that Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, who was the Minister of State, Ministry of Transport, was deployed to the Ministry of Mines as the State Minister.

Saraki replaced Dr Okechuckwu Ogah, who resigned as Minister of State, to contest for the 2023 Governorship position in Abia.

She commended the Minister of Mines and Steel Deveploment, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite for his efforts in moving the sector forward.

She also appreciated the staff of the ministry for the warm reception accorded her upon as of office.

Speaking, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Adegbite tasked Saraki to bring her wealth of experience to play in the sector.

“Saraki was in the Senate where she performed very well, she has also contributed so much on this administration, we know that she will perform well in this ministry too.”

He said that the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari was to diversify the economy through the mining sector, create jobs for the youth and also increase the GDP.

Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, the Permanent Secretary, Mines and Steel Development said the ministry had contributed immensely to the GDP in spite of its challenges.

Akinlade, represented by Patrick Ojeka, the Director, Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Department, MMSD, said her deployment to the ministry would also contribute to the growth of the sector.

“We know that with your support we can still do better in this ministry and we have staff with wealth of experience from Grade Level eight to Director cadre that have been working tirelessly to move the sector forward.

“We have performed very well in contributing to the GDP in spite of our numerous challenges.”