Nigeria Gemstone Conference to Target Sustainable Financing For Sector

By

-

25/08/2025

By Martha Agas

The Gemstone Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMAN) says the third edition of its conference, the Nigeria Gemstone and Jewelry Expo (NGJE) 2025, will focus on seeking opportunities for sustainable financing for the sector.

GMMAN’s President, Mr Adeniran Ajibade, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Ajibade said that the conference would bring together industry players, policymakers, international dealers, private operators along the gemstone value chain, and other stakeholders to discuss funding opportunities aimed at developing the sector.

He said that the theme of the conference, “Financing sustainable practices in gemstone mining and processing, jewelry production and marketing”, aims to chart the sustainable development of Nigeria’s gemstone industry.

“The Nigerian gemstone industry actually has a lot of potential because Nigeria is endowed with a variety of amazing gemstones.

“As of now, we are just at the initial level of development and we need to advance that process.

“We need to produce more, then we process more, add value more and export and also make it more popular for usage in Nigeria, he said.

Ajibade explained that the government, as regulator of the mining sector has a roadmap for its development, which operators, such as GMMAN have aligned with.

He said they engage with the government on this basis to ensure it fulfilled its role of creating an enabling environment to drive private-sector operations for industry growth.

According to him, financing is a major challenge in the sector, even though it is not peculiar to the gemstone industry but reflects the wider Nigerian business environment.

He lamented that financing projects was difficult due to Nigerian banks charging interest rates of up to 32 per cent.

“We cannot even be competitive because in other overseas countries and some other developed world, they talk about four per cent interest on their loans.

“So, definitely, it is not the best of funding situation that we have in Nigeria. This is one of the things we want to discuss at the conference to see, how we will be able to source for funds.

“ We want to look at funding and even the different activities along the value chain, he said.

Ajibade described funding for mining as high risk, but said the risk for funding trading and processing, including value addition, could be lower.

“We have invited some key players, who have actually succeeded in sourcing finances for their mining project to share their experience with us“, he said.

NAN reports that the conference will hold from Aug. 25 to Aug. 27 at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre.

Topics to deliberate on include Government Policy and Support for Investment in the Mining and Gemstone Industry, Control Blasting Techniques for Safe and Efficient Mining of Gemstones and Unlocking Potentials of the Jewelry Industry.

My Public Statements Motivated By Patriotism, Not Malice – Obasanjo

By

News Editor

-

25/08/2025

0

… Identifies Buhari’s Administration As Worst In Nigeria’s History

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he is in a hurry to see Nigeria rise to greatness as he sees “getting close” to his departure lounge in life.
Obasanjo made the remark while speaking on his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, where he assessed the country’s leadership journey and issued stern criticisms of successive governments.

The former military Head of State (1976–1979) and civilian President (1999–2007) explained that his interventions over the years, through books, letters, and public statements, were motivated by patriotism and not malice.

“All my writings have been aimed at making Nigeria better because I strongly believe in documentation and in the possibility of a better Nigeria,” Obasanjo said.

He said his works, such as My Command, Nzeogwu, Not My Will, My Watch (a three-volume autobiography), and several letters to leaders during moments of crisis, were intended to guide, not to condemn.

“Some have accused me of being guilty of the same failings I criticised. But I rely on my conscience and my records and have no need to defend myself,” he stated.

Obasanjo described the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023) as “the worst civil administration so far in Nigeria’s history.”

He accused Buhari of failing to confront corruption, mismanagement, and electoral malpractice — the same ills he had used to justify the 1983 coup against President Shehu Shagari. “Words are cheap, and what needed to be done was left undone,” Obasanjo wrote.

Turning to the present, he said the Bola Tinubu administration was “competing with Buhari’s in inefficiency.”

Obasanjo, however, maintained that his legacy would speak for him, citing his sacrifices in war, peacekeeping, imprisonment, and national service. “I have seen the best and the worst of Nigeria. Yes, mistakes were made, but great things were also done. My life has been a crucible of rural struggles, military service, humiliation and triumphs, all of which have taught me lasting lessons,” he said.

“I want to see Nigeria succeed soon. I may be close to my departure, but my desire is to witness the nation attain the greatness it deserves,” the elder statesman added

2027: Let’s Rescue Nigeria From Cycle of Poverty, Failed Leadership – ADC Chieftain Tasks Youths, Women

By

News Editor

-

23/08/2025

0

. . . Says Leadership Must Shift From Failed
Promises To Genuine Services

As alignment and re-alignment surface in Nigeria’s political space, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC)Hon. Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar, has called on Nigerians, especially the youth and women to rise and take ownership of the country’s future.

Jaafar said that youth and women in the country are 70 per cent of the nation’s population, urging them to support ADC in 2027, being the true vehicle for national renewal.

In a statement on Saturday, Jaafar who is an aspirant for the National Youth Leader of ADC emphasized that Nigeria stands at a historic crossroads where leadership must shift from recycled elite and failed promises to a new era of inclusiveness, opportunity, and genuine service to the people.

“Our youth and women are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today. Their voice, their vote, and their vision will determine the Nigeria we all desire. To our revered elders, you are not left behind. Your wisdom remains the compass that must guide our progress. ADC is a home for all youth, women, and elders alike.

“ADC believes in youth empowerment with real opportunities, not empty promises; in women inclusion as true decision-makers, not tokens; and in harnessing the wisdom of our elders to balance energy with experience. Together, we can rescue Nigeria from the cycle of poverty, division, and failed leadership.

“The future is in our hands. With ADC, Nigeria can work again, Nigeria will work again, and together, we shall rise again, the party chieftain emphasized.

Jaafar further highlighted that ADC’s philosophy is built on empowering the majority, protecting the dignity of every Nigerian, and ensuring justice and fairness in governance.

He called on all Nigerians to resist vote selling and electoral manipulation, stressing that the destiny of the nation is too valuable to be traded for short-term gains.

“The ADC continues to position itself as the most credible platform for a united, progressive, and prosperous Nigeria,” Jaafar explained.

Nigeria: Group Alerts Govt Over Land Degradation Through Illegal, Indiscriminate Mining in Kogi East

By

News Editor

-

22/08/2025

2

A Socio cultural organisation in Kogi East, Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA has sent a Save Our Souls message to government over illegal and indiscriminate mining activities in the area resulting in severe environmental degradation to the helplessness of host communities mostly in Ankpa and Ofu local government areas.

The communities are Odagbo- Okaba and environs in Ankpa as well as Adumu Iga’ebije and environs in Ofu Local Government Areas .
A communique issued by the association and read by the President, Dr A.A. Abdullahi after Its meeting held at Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi state also frowned at the insecurity prevalent in the Eastern flank of the State.

According to the 18 point communique, the body said these two trends , if not checked by authorities, particularly indiscriminate and illegal mining , along with the growing insecurity of kidnaping, attacks of all shades would instill breakdown of law and order .
The communique on the other hand, advised the people of the area to key into mass participation in Agriculture, so as to address hunger and food insecurity, infrastructural development and Youth reorientation.
The communique reads: …

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE STAKEHOLDERS’ SUMMIT OF THE IGALA CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ICDA) WITH THE THEME CONSENSUS BUILDING: THE RIGHT PATH TO ACHIEVING UNITY FOR A GREATER IGALA KINGDOM HELD IN THE COUNCIL HALL OF THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC IDAH ON THE 16TH AUGUST 2025
Preamble:
The Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA), the apex socio-cultural body of the Igala people held an Igala Stakeholders’ Summit with the above theme in the Council Hall of the Federal Polytechnic Idah on Saturday 16th August 2025.
The summit which attracted prominent sons and daughters of Igala extraction from all works of life, including ICDA Executives, retired Military Officers, traditional rulers, representatives of various socio-cultural organizations, the intelligentsia, Youth and Women organizations, religious leaders etc. critically examined the increasing security challenges, socio-economic issues, infrastructural deficits, cultural and other issues confronting the Igala ethnic nationality and arrived at the following resolutions that represent the broad consensus reached at the summit :
1. The Summit agreed that consensus building being a general agreement, shared understanding and use of dialogue in arriving at common grounds on common issues, is a panacea for disunity and for promoting rapid development of the Igala nation.
2. The need to uphold the dignity of the Igala people in accordance with our common values as a people was agreed upon.
3. In order to actualize our desire for infrastructural development, the summit agreed to advocate for and support projects that are beneficial to entire Igala land and her people.
4. The Summit called on ICDA being the umbrella body of all the socio-cultural groups to synergize with other socio-cultural organizations in the land in order to restore and sustain the glory of Igala land in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
5. That in our quest to attain consensus, we need to acknowledge and appreciate Igala sons and daughters who have in one way or the other contributed to the development of Igala land.
6. It was agreed that beyond politics, consensus should be built around other critical areas such as declining educational standards, the declining attention to agriculture that was once the main stay of traditional Igala homes and economy, the debilitating effects of illegal and unregulated mining in Igala land, ecological challenges and other social services.
7. The summit laid the foundation for continuous engagements among the Igalas both at home and in diaspora, social interactions and productive collaborations with other nationalities as a strategy for catalyzing socio-economic development of Igala land.

8. In the collective interest of Igala people, the summit calls for consensus building across political and social interests to renew our impetus towards growth and development of Igala land and the State.
9. In order to elicit trust and confidence amongst our people, the summit calls for compromises through consensus on contentious issues that are capable of generating disunity among Igala people and endangering our common quest for socio-economic development of Igala land.
10. It was agreed that the Igalas must build consensus around traditional, political, and cultural issues at all times in order to avoid internal conflicts.
11. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage in regular and truthful dialogues through open communication devoid of vaulting individual interests, parochial sentiments and personal acrimony.
12. That the issue of deep-rooted moral decadence prevalent in Igala land be fundamentally addressed through proper home training, moral regeneration and economic empowerment of our youths.
13. It was agreed that a summit be organised for the re-orientation of our Youths on the need to shun negative attitudes and practices that could dent the image of the Igala person and kingdom especially on the social media such as facebook, Tiktok, Whatsapp and X (i.e Twitter). The ICDA leadership is to take the initiative.
14. That we should as a people thrive to ensure that leadership and positions of trust are entrusted in the best and trusted hands of Igala sons and daughters at all times through merit-based selection process.
15. The need to encourage all Igala sons and daughters to engage in agriculture both to address the problems of food insecurity in Igala land and enhance the socio-economic fortunes of the Igala people was equally agreed.
16. Security agents, stakeholders and traditional institutions are enjoined to collaborate in taking proactive steps to arrest incessant and escalating security threats in Igala land and the State.
17. The summit also noted that industrialization through infrastructural development based on government-communal cooperation is paramount to uplifting our communities from the shackles of under-development and socio-economic retardation.
18. The summit also noted with utmost concerns, the significant level of environmental degradation and health hazards being wrought on many Igala communities by mineral exploration and exploitation activities in places like Odagbo-Okaba in Ankpa Local Government Area, as well as Adumu, Ig’ebije and environs in Ofu Local Government Areas of Kogi State and enjoined both the Federal and State Governments to intensify efforts to arrest the unhealthy activities both in the interests of concerned communities and Kogi State at large.
19. The summit called for the establishment of Kogi East Trust Fund to address the development challenges facing our area.
CONCLUSION:
The members and leadership of the ICDA wishes to thank all the attendees from within and outside Nigeria, including our well-wishers profoundly for their active participation and contributions that made the summit a great success. The high-level of participation (recording over three hundred attendees) at the summit is a great encouragement to the new leadership of the ICDA. We believe that with sustained dialogue, collaboration and unflinching support for the resolutions reached, the new leadership of ICDA will further be strengthened to ensure that the Igalas will take their rightful positions in the comity of ethnic nationalities of Nigeria.
May God bless Igala land.
Dr. A.A Abdulai,President, ICDA.
Chief Rufai

Ex-minister, Others Seek Women Inclusion in Governance

By

News Editor

-

22/08/2025

0

By Justina Auta

A former Minister of Aviation, Dr. Kema Chikwe and other stakeholders have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to improve women’s participation in governance ahead of the 2027 political election.

Chikwe, also the former Ambassador of Nigeria to Ireland, made the appeal at the eighth anniversary of the conference of Women Leadership Institute on Thursday in Abuja.

Speaking as the conference Convener with a theme, “Women leading together- power in partnership, purpose in action”, she said that the event was to mobilise and strategise for women to support one another.

She said that the president’s policy direction and recent directive to state governors on poverty alleviation, power and agriculture was significant to women’s development.

She, however, said that women should not just be beneficiaries of certain policies, but should be made actively involved in formulation and implementation.

“As you embark on what we believe should be your well deserved second term, we urge you to carry more women with you.

“Let your legacy reflect a genuine commitment to gender inclusion.

“The number of women in both national and state assemblies is not befitting to our great nation at this stage of our development,” she said.

Chikwe said that absence of women in legislative spaces meant fewer voices to champion gender equity, social justice and inclusive policies.

“Women must sit at the tables where decisions are made. We must not wait to be invited, we must show up, prepared, united and purposeful,” she said.

She said that the representation of women in the current National Assembly is negligible and deeply troubling, and must not be allowed to persist.

According to her, when women lead together with men, nations rise.

She said that the power of partnership was real
adding that when purpose meets action, transformation follows.

Dr Cecilia Umoren, the keynote Speaker, urged women to desist from listening and believing tales and political gimmicks being that women are enemies for themselves.

Umoren emphasised the need for women to unite and participate actively in 6he political space and contribute their quota towards national development.

“Women must not ignore that fact that politics remains the most effective fast track to achieving gender balance in leadership, especially the legislature.

“Women must begin to take the right political decisions now, decision that will position us to make meaningful impact in 2027 elections and beyond,” she said.

Also, Mrs Bisi Fayemi, Former First Lady of Ekiti state, emphasised the need for partnership, urging women to confront the realities that will challenge the journey of gender.

She called on women to strategisese deliberately and align with policies that will support the mainstreaming of women in leadership. (NAN)

FG Launches 10th Edition of the Nigeria Mining Week

By

News Editor

-

22/08/2025

3

By Martha Agas

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has inauguratesd the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week with the theme `Mining from Progress to Global Relevance`.

Alake announced the event at a news briefing on Thursday in Abuja, ahead of its commencement in October.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Mining Week is organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the VUKA Group.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Faruk Yabo, he said that Nigeria would focus on expanding the mining industry and ensuring its sustainability in the next decade.

“As we enter the next decade, our focus is clear, to scale up the industry, ensure sustainability, drive value addition, and firmly position Nigeria as a globally relevant mining hub,’ he said.

Alake said the conference scheduled to hold from Oct.15 to Oct.17, would showcase the sector’s potential to local and international stakeholders, highlighting Nigeria’s over 44 distinct minerals as a prime investment destination in Africa.

“But beyond raw materials extraction, our vision is clear.

“To scale production responsibly, to build sustainable value chains, to promote beneficiation and value addition within Nigeria.

“ To ensure that mining contributes meaningfully to our national GDP, job creation, and community development; and to embed global best practices in environmental and social governance,“ he said.

Alake emphasised that the government had identified the mining sector as one of the key drivers of economic diversification away from overdependence on oil.

“With our rich mineral endowment, Nigeria is ready for responsible and profitable mining investment.

“Our legal frameworks are being strengthened, our licencing processes are being streamlined, and we are deepening partnerships to ensure that investors find both security and sustainability in our mining environment, “ he said.

According to Alake, Nigeria will host policymakers, financiers, miners, explorers, technology providers, and development partners who will review the past decade of progress.

He said the review would set the tone for the future and position rightfully position Nigeria in the global mining community.

In his remarks, the National President of MAN, Mr Dele Ayankale, said the event had remained the prime platform for incubating innovative ideas driving sectoral growth

It is also leveraged to introduce and showcase emerging global technologies and methodologies in mining jurisdictions

Ayankale said that the mining week had over the years fostered business linkages and educated small-scale title holders and indigenous operators on global best practices alongside adherence to local operating standards.

According to him, the 10th anniversary of the week presents an enhanced platform for dialogue, partnerships and investment.

“ During this edition, we will further engage in initiatives that promote investment, enhance safety, support artisanal and small-scale miners, and drive compliance with global best practices.

“The event will also spotlight deal rooms, technical workshops, and strategic forums to encourage practical solutions and direct engagement between operators and investors,” he said.

In his remarks, the Event Director, Mining, VUKA Group, Mr Samukelo Madlabane, said it was expected to draw 3,500 participants while it would focus on unlocking investment opportunities in related sectors such as power, steel and infrastructure.

On his part, Mr Habeeb Jaiyeola, Partner and Head of the Mining Sector at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria, said the event would provide a critical forum for addressing current challenges and developing actionable solutions.

According to him, this is aimed at unlocking the sector’s full potential for growth, inclusivity, and global competitiveness.

Association Cautions Youths on Foreign Jobs as Stranded Miners Return

By

News Editor

-

21/08/2025

0

By Martha Agas

The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged Nigerian youths to thoroughly investigate offers of foreign jobs before leaving the country.

The National President of MAN, Mr Dele Ayankele, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

This is following the repatriation of 11 stranded Nigerian miners from the Central African Republic (CAR).

NAN reports that the Federal Government facilitated the return of the miners, who arrived Abuja on Aug. 14 after publicly appealing for help through a viral video that detailed their ordeal.

The miners were allegedly lured to CAR by a Nigerian agent in collaboration with a Chinese national.

They claimed that they were taken to Sénye in the Bambari region about ten months ago, but were abandoned without pay for six months.

The MAN President urged Nigerian youths seeking opportunities outside the country to look before they leap.

“We have cases of people drowning in Libya trying to cross the sea to European countries, all these are full of hazards,’’ he said.

Ayankele said that Nigeria had a lot of mineral resources that should encourage youths to remain in the country to find legitimate means of exploiting these minerals for their economic development.

According to him, there are many mining sites in Nigeria that need more human resources to harness their potential.

“We have been advising our youths to please take things easy.

“Nigeria has a lot of potential for them, and they should stay here and see how we can exploit this thing for their own benefit and for the nation’s benefit as well.

“Anybody can say he wants to employ somebody, but before you take up any employment, you must weigh the options available,” he said.

Nigeria: MWAN Conducts Free Cataract Surgeries For 50 Kaduna Residents

By

News Editor

-

20/08/2025

0

The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), has provided free cataract surgeries to no fewer than 50 residents of Zaria, Kaduna State North. West Nigeria

The outreach, which featured various medical checkups and treatments, was part of the activities to mark the 24th Biennial Conference and Scientific meeting in Zaria city.

According to the President of the association, Dr. Aisha Mustapha, the outreach aimed to enhancing the well-being of citizens, particularly in the wake of the increase of cataract cases in the country.

The free medical and surgical outreach is expected to last between 19th and 31th of August, 2025 with Cervical Cancer prevention services to 150 women and to provide other screening.

Fielding questions from journalists during the outreach, MWAN’s President explained that ” some people carry their surgical conditions about for over thirty years, and this is because they could not afford it, and we are on this mission as part of our Cooperate Social Responsibility to give free medical services to the affected people”

Speaking on the primary cause of the disease, Dr. Mustapha attributed cataracts to age-related changes in the lens of the eye. “As people age, the proteins in the lens can clump together, causing clouding and leading to the development of cataracts. While aging is the most common cause, other factors can contribute, including genetics, eye injuries, certain medical conditions, and long-term use of some medications.”

On the prevention, she said that someone can significantly lower the risk and potentially slow their progression by adopting healthy lifestyle choices and getting regular eye exams.

In their seperate remarks, the beneficiaries expreseed gratitude to the organiser of the exercise.

According to Grace Akema, aged 59, a beneficiary of the free medical surgery explained that for over the years she has been with the disease in which she could not afford to operate.

She prayed God to grant the organiser more financial power to do more and extend hands of help to other people who are also in need of such help.

Meanwhile, the association applauded the unwavering support of the Emir of Zazau, HRH, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli towards the exercise and the 24th Bennial Conference.

Africa Prime News

Africa Prime News

Africa Prime News

Africa Prime News

Currency Exchange Rates

Africa Prime News

About us

Company

The latest

Subscribe