Hon. Folawe Sipasi-Aluko is a former Senior Special Assistant on Mining and Mobilisation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa .
In this interview, Sipasi-Aluko, who is also a former chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government area, x-rays the efforts and achievements of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration in the exploitation and development of the solid mineral resources in Ondo State .
She further speaks on sundry issues relating to the mining sector in the state.
Excepts:
From your introduction, we understand that you served as the Senior Special Assistant on Mining and Mobilisation and also as the former Chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government area. Could you please tell us under which administration you served in these positions and the years of your tenure?
My names is, Hon. Folawe Omowunmi Sipasi-Aluko, FCPA, an indigene of Igbobini in Ese-Odo Local Government area of Ondo State, Nigeria.
I served as the first female Executive Chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government area from 2020 to 2023, during the administration of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (AKETI), SAN, CON, the former governor of Ondo State.
Following the passing of Governor Akeredolu and the emergence of His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as the substantive Governor of Ondo State, I was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mining.
As a woman in politics, what were your experiences serving in these two positions?
Serving as the Executive Chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government area under the visionary administration of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, at a time when His Excellency (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa served as Deputy Governor, was a remarkable opportunity that enabled me to contribute meaningfully and deliver effectively.
As Deputy Governor, His Excellency (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa coordinated the affairs of all 18 local government areas in the state. His unwavering support, guidance and encouragement played a significant role in facilitating the achievements recorded across the various local governments.
My subsequent tenure as Senior Special Assistant on Mining and Mobilisation under His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, further strengthened my experience in purposeful leadership, effective governance and public administration.
Working with these two great leaders was indeed a golden privilege—an invaluable journey that enriched my knowledge, sharpened my leadership skills, broadened my understanding of governance and deepened my commitment to public service.
I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served under their leadership and for the invaluable lessons and experiences gained along the way.
Having served in these two positions, would you say you feel fulfilled by your contributions and service? Could you highlight some of your key achievements during your tenure as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Mining and Mobilisation and as the Chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government area?
Having served as the Executive Chairman of Ese-Edo LGA and Senior Special Assistant on Mining and Mobilisation, I can comfortably say that I’m fulfilled and I’m really happy I made some remarkable impacts on the State.
As Chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government area, I adopted a bold open-door dialogue strategy that significantly eased insecurity in the militant-prone riverine council. Beyond peacebuilding, I delivered landmark projects, including renovated schools, educational materials, revived markets, functional boreholes, the establishment of the Grace ICT Centre for youth empowerment and economic support for women and persons with disabilities.
My appointment as the first-ever Senior Special Assistant on Mining and Mobilisation to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, marked another historic milestone. I embarked on extensive statewide assessments of mineral resources across all 18 local government areas, championed stakeholder engagement with traditional rulers, strengthened collaboration with security agencies against mining-related crimes and ensured Ondo State’s interests were robustly represented despite the constitutional limitations of state authority over solid minerals.
My record reflects a legacy of visionary leadership, practical governance and an unwavering commitment to peace, development and the prosperity of the people.
Considering these achievements, how would you describe Mr. Governor’s leadership? In your view, what role has his administration played in making these accomplishments possible?
I can confidently say that His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is an exceptional leader whose passion for the welfare of the people is evident in every aspect of his governance. He is a listening, inclusive and accommodating governor who recognises competence above all else. I remain deeply grateful that he identified my professional expertise as a miner and entrusted me with the responsibility of serving as Senior Special Assistant on Mining and Mobilisation.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to gender inclusion gave many women the opportunity to serve, and I am proud that we justified his confidence through dedicated service. During my tenure, prudence, transparency and accountability defined my stewardship, and I am humbled that the governor consistently acknowledged my contributions. He fondly calls me “Miner,” and I will never forget his encouraging words after my Ile-Oluji site inspection report: “Miner, well done. Good job. Thank you for doing what you are doing.” His commendation following the arrest of illegal miners in Ondo South Senatorial District further reflects his appreciation for diligence and excellence.
Without doubt, Governor Aiyedatiwa is a statesman of uncommon vision and sterling character, whose transformative achievements continue to resonate across every sector of Ondo State.
It is widely believed that Ondo State is one of Nigeria’s most naturally endowed states, blessed with abundant and economically viable mineral resources. In your opinion, is this statement true or false?
It is an undeniable fact that Ondo State ranks among Nigeria’s most richly blessed states in mineral resources. Virtually every local government area is endowed with valuable mineral deposits, a priceless natural heritage that holds immense potential for economic transformation, job creation and sustainable development. Indeed, we remain grateful to God for this extraordinary blessing.
As the former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Mining and Mobilisation, could you identify three to five viable mineral resources found in Ondo State?
Ondo State’s vast mineral wealth is strategically classified into three major categories: Metallic Minerals, including tantalite and cassiterite found predominantly around Igbara-Oke in Ifedore Local Government Area; Non-Metallic Minerals, such as kaolin, limestone, gold, glass sand, granite, and dimension stones, abundantly distributed across the state; and Mineral Fuels—coal, lignite, bitumen, oil, and gas—concentrated within the rich sedimentary belt spanning Odigbo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, and Ose local government areas, positioning Ondo as a powerhouse of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
From the list of viable mineral resources you identified in Ondo State, has any of them commenced commercial exploitation? If yes, has the exploitation of these resources translated into significant economic benefits for the state and the people of Ondo State? If not, what factors are hindering their commercial exploitation?
Yes, several mineral title holders are actively operating in Ondo State. While the regulation, licensing and oversight of mineral resources remain the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the state government continues to receive its constitutionally entitled share of the proceeds, ensuring that the people benefit from the sector’s economic potential.
We often hear about the disagreements between the Federal Government and state governments over the control and management of mineral resources found within states. Could you kindly shed more light on this issue and explain the key points of contention?
As earlier stated, the ownership, regulation and control of Nigeria’s mineral resources are exclusively vested in the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. This constitutional framework clearly defines both the authority over the resources and the management of the proceeds derived from them.
One of the major challenges in the mining sector is illegal mining. Could you explain the causes and impact of illegal mining, and also suggest practical measures that can be taken to curb this menace?
Illegal mining remains one of the most significant threats to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. It is largely driven by weak regulatory enforcement, poverty, unemployment, inadequate monitoring of mining sites and the activities of unlicensed operators seeking to evade the law. The consequences are far-reaching, including huge revenue losses to government, environmental degradation, insecurity, destruction of host communities and the unlawful exploitation of the nation’s mineral wealth.
Addressing this challenge requires a coordinated approach: stronger enforcement of mining laws, enhanced collaboration between security agencies and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, deployment of modern surveillance technology, stricter prosecution of offenders, formalisation of artisanal miners, and sustained public awareness campaigns. With decisive leadership, robust legal enforcement and active community participation, Nigeria can effectively curb illegal mining and unlock the full economic potential of its solid minerals sector.
Having served as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Mining and Mobilisation in Ondo State, can you give an estimate of the value or economic worth of the mineral resources available in the state?
How significant are these resources to the economic development and revenue potential of Ondo State?
Ondo State proudly stands among Nigeria’s oil-producing states, with its rich petroleum resources located in Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas. As a key beneficiary of the NDDC, the state has consistently secured a lot of projects executed by NDDC. The impact is undeniable. Across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State, NDDC projects are visible, verifiable and transforming lives—clear evidence of purposeful leadership.
Do you believe that the mineral resources available in Ondo State have the potential to transform the state into a commercial hub and create significant employment opportunities for the youths?
What steps can be taken to harness these resources for sustainable economic growth and job creation?
Ondo State can unlock its vast mineral wealth by prioritising value addition over raw resource extraction, strengthening public-private partnerships, attracting strategic investments, and enforcing transparent, investor-friendly policies. Investing in modern mining, local processing industries, skills development and supporting host communities will not only stimulate industrialisation but also position Ondo as a leading commercial hub, creating thousands of sustainable jobs and driving inclusive economic prosperity for generations.
Do you believe that Mr. Governor has a strong interest in the development of the mining sector? What evidence or initiatives from his administration demonstrate his commitment to harnessing mineral resources for the growth and development of Ondo State?
Absolutely. Mr. Governor places the highest priority on harnessing Ondo State’s mineral resources as a catalyst for economic transformation. His unwavering commitment and visionary leadership are focused on converting these natural assets into sustainable wealth, massive job creation, and lasting prosperity for the people of Ondo State.
What is your relationship with the Ondo State Ministry of Mines and the Federal Mines Office in Ondo State?
As the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Mineral Resources and Mobilisation, I served as the eyes and ears of Mr. Governor in matters relating to the sector. I have maintained a strong and cordial working relationship with the State Ministry of Mines and the Federal Mines Office in Ondo State.
Whenever I go out for inspections, I ensure that representatives from these relevant offices are carried along so that we can work together effectively. I would also like to commend the management and staff of both offices for their tremendous support during my time in office. We worked closely together in our collective efforts to combat illegal mining activities and protect the mineral resources of Ondo State.
In other sectors, there are often gender-related issues. Does the same apply to the mining sector?
People often perceive mining as a sector where women may find it difficult to establish themselves, but that assumption is not true. In reality, many women are making significant contributions and excelling in the mining industry.
A good example is Engr. Janet Adeyemi, Founder/President Women in Mining. She is from Ondo State and is also my mentor. She has made remarkable contributions to the fields of mining and engineering, and her impact on the development of the mining sector in Nigeria and beyond cannot be overlooked.
Her achievements and contributions have demonstrated that women have an important role to play in the mining industry and can excel at the highest levels. She is a trailblazer whose work and legacy continue to inspire many women to pursue careers and opportunities in mining.
What did you do in terms of technical education in the mining sector?
This is a very important question. If we are looking to attract investors from across the globe, we must also ensure that our youths are properly trained, qualified and certified in mining. This will help prevent a situation where investors have to look outside the state or country for skilled workers, leaving our own youths unemployed simply because they lack the necessary qualifications.
While I was in office, with the support of Mr. Governor, I reached out to technical institutions abroad to explore opportunities to train and develop our youths in the mining sector. Some technical institutions from South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago expressed their willingness to partner with Ondo State in this regard.
In addition, universities and colleges specialising in mining are expected to commence operations in Nigeria soon. This will go a long way in developing a pool of qualified and certified manpower for mineral development in Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Our goal should be to ensure that when investors come into the mining sector, our youths are adequately prepared to take advantage of the employment and business opportunities they bring. By investing in technical education and skills development, we can create jobs, build local capacity and ensure that the benefits of our mineral resources are enjoyed by our people.
If Mr. Governor were to call you and ask, “How can we develop the mining sector in Ondo State?” what would you say?
Once again, the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in every state fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, rather than the state governments. However, I would still advise the government to establish a Mining Development Company.
Such a company would help the state participate more effectively in the development, processing, and value addition of our mineral resources locally. Rather than exporting raw minerals, we should encourage local processing and beneficiation, which would create more economic opportunities, attract investment and generate employment for our youths.
For example, this approach would not only strengthen the mining sector in Ondo State but also ensure that our mineral resources contribute more significantly to the state’s economic development.
In conclusion, Ondo State is working and His Excellency (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is breaking new ground;
Let me equally seize this opportunity to commend, in the strongest terms, the exemplary leadership and remarkable achievements of our workaholic Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa — a true silent achiever whose works speak louder than his words.
Since assuming office, Governor Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated that leadership is not about making the loudest noise, but about making the greatest impact. With uncommon dedication, strategic vision and an unwavering commitment to the people, he has steadily changed the narrative of governance in Ondo State, ushering in an era of visible development, purposeful leadership, and people-centred governance.
Across virtually every critical sector, the footprints of his administration are unmistakable. From healthcare to education, security to agriculture, infrastructure to finance, his administration is leaving indelible marks of progress and laying a stronger foundation for the future of Ondo State.
Beyond physical development, Governor Aiyedatiwa has also demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility toward the welfare and well-being of our traditional rulers and pensioners, ensuring that those who have contributed immensely to the growth and stability of the State are not forgotten.
Perhaps most visibly, the transformation of Akure, the Sunshine State capital, is taking a new dimension. Through deliberate interventions and infrastructural renewal, the Governor is repositioning Akure to reflect the dignity, beauty, functionality and standard expected of a modern state capital.
Indeed, Governor Aiyedatiwa is proving that effective leadership is measured not by the volume of promises made, but by the magnitude of results delivered. His administration is gradually turning aspirations into achievements, promises into projects and governance into tangible dividends for the people.
The story of the new Ondo State is a story of renewed purpose, visible transformation and progressive leadership — and Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is writing that story with his works.