Professionalism in Extractive Industry is Highly Essential – Arc. Adegbite

The importance of professionalism in the Extractive Industry cannot be overemphasized, as such, all hands must be on deck to ensure that the Council of Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) succeeds in its mandate as the foremost regulator of the professionals in the sector.
The Honorable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Architect Olamilekan Adegbite made this known in Abuja during the 10th Induction and Public Presentation of Instruments of Practice of Mining Engineers and Geoscientists.
According to the Minister, the sector is expected to provide jobs and prosperity for Nigerians, and  should not be operated as an all Comer’s affair.
 President Muhammadu Buhari has placed a level of importance in the Mines and Steel sector as one of the major focus of his administration to diversify the economy with commensurate support in funding, the Minister added.
The Honorable Minister announced that the ministry has secured a befitting office accommodation for COMEG to ensure that the Council is repositioned and rejuvenated for growth and effective service delivery.
The Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Samson Ogah, in his remarks called the inductees to be good Ambassadors of the Council, to continue to uphold the tenets of the council so as to move the sector to its next level.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, COMEG , Dr. Godspower Ebimotimi Okpoi said that efforts will continue towards enhancing the registration of more professionals and companies to ensure that quackery in the Extractive sector is reduced to the barest minimum and eventually eliminated in the country.He explained that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the induction ceremony was  streamed live to accommodate the inductees in different parts of the country.
The council inducted 150 professionals  and 3 corporate members, with the oath administered by the Registrar/CEO, COMEG Prof. Zacheus Opafunso.
 Prof. Opafunso appreciated the Ministers for the support always being given to COMEG which is assisting the agency to gradually find its feet. He admonished the inductees to always pay their dues to enable the Council  to carry out its responsibilities.
The occasion was graced by the  dignitaries from the  sector.