Community urges FG to site mining school, industry

Residents of Rishi town, Toro Local Government of Bauchi State, have urged the federal government to establish a School of Mining and Industry in the area for the development of mining activities and socio-economic growth of the people.

The District Head of Rishi, Malam Abdulrazak Umar Zuku, made the plea when he received the Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, in his palace.

The minister was on a tour of mining sites to interact with miners and communities in Bauchi.

The monarch said that the town was one of the oldest mining communities that are blessed with different mineral resources that were still untapped.

“I want opportunity to use

to

this plead before you on behalf of the community that the federal government should establish a school of mining in Rishi. Our community has been home to many types of mineral resources.

“I remember sometimes a 1976 Geological Survey that lasted one year and three months within Rishi and the neighboring villages. After the survey, they told us that we have many mineral resources in commercial quantity including copper, zinc, zircon, columbite and many others. I am sure if these minerals are tapped,they will boost the revenue of not only Bauchi state but the country in general,” he said.

The traditional ruler also said, “We are appealing to our August visitor to use your good office and your blessed pen to write be it to the president or any office concerned to ensure that mining school and industry are sited in Rishi.”

Responding, the minister thanked the monarch and the community for their hospitality, which has encourage some miners to establish mining companies in the area.

“I believe that the existence of mining companies is a testimony of your hospitality, and you have created an enabling environment for even bigger companies to come because of the good relationship with the companies on ground.

“I have listened to your request, and we will bring that to the knowledge of the government considering the mining potential of the area, at least even if it is an out campus or campus of mining school in Jos to be sited for you to have the feelings that government is truly interested in you.

“My appeal to the community is that let there be harmonious relationship between the mining companies and the community,” Ogah said.