FG collaborates Oyo over airborne geographical survey of state

By Ogundele Olanrewaju

The Federal ministry of mines and steel development in collaboration with the Oyo state government has disclosed plans to commence an airborne geophysical survey in the state and urged residents not to panic or become apprehensive as a result of loud noise of aircraft due to low flying altitude or pattern of movement.

The minister of Mines and Steel development Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite who made this known during a press conference in Ibadan explained that the public awareness became necessary due to the current security situation in the country to forestall misinformation that might cause undue tension in some communities.

The minister who was represented by the Director of Geophysics Department, Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) Kaka Imam further explained that though Oyo state has difficult terrain but the need to penetrate the State and gather geological information that might lead to mineral discoveries has become necessary, adding that the exercise would operate across Akinyele, Lagelu, Egbeda, Ona ara, Ogbomosho North, Ogbomosho South, Ogo Oluwa, Surulere and Orire among others.

The minister also emphasized that the purpose of the survey was to use latest survey sensors to generate magnetic and radiometric data that would help in potential areas/zones of mineralization noting that a passive technique would be used in the process that would not involve sending out signals into the ground and therefore remained a very safe aerial survey.

Also, the Director General for Oyo state Mineral Development Agency, with Hon. Dimeji Ladapo equally assured residents that the exercise would pose no hazard to residents stressing that the effort would in the long run expand the state economy and boost its IGR .

The activity scheduled to commence this month, December 2021 would last for about one year, across selected 19 states of the federation.