Prince Olusegun Okedele Clean Mining Industries Ltd. Appreciates SMDF, EFCC for Sensitizing Artisanal Miners

By Timeswatch

Prince Olusegun Okedele Clean Mining Industries Limited, in collaboration with affiliated Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM) Cooperatives in Boripe L.G.A., Iragbiji, Osun State, expresses sincere appreciation to the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), for organizing the impactful Workshop on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing for Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners and Dealers in Metals and Precious Stones, held recently in Lagos.

The Chief Executive Officer, Prince Olusegun Okedele Timothy (Rtd. Customs Officer), who also serves as Chairman of NASSI, Osun State Chapter, commended the organizers for their dedication to improving transparency, financial compliance, and responsible mining practices within Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Prince Okedele, who voluntarily retired from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), specially acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Mines Officer for Osun State, Engr. Wasiu Adeboye; the Federal Mines Officer for Ekiti State, Engr. Ojo Isaac; and the ASM Officer in charge of Osun and Ondo States, Engr. Bajulaye Aanu. He also extended warm appreciation to the Executive Secretary of SMDF, Hajia Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, ably represented by Dr. Mathinah Anababa, for her swift and thoughtful fulfillment of transportation, feeding, and hotel accommodation allowances for participants — a gesture described as “commendable and reassuring.”

Prince Okedele further recognized the active involvement of Mr. Danladi from the SMDF Headquarters, Abuja, whose coordination contributed greatly to the program’s success.

He also noted the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Engr. Adekilekun Jimoda (Special Assistance (S A) to the governor on Natural and Mineral Resource, who doubled as chairman of MIREMCO), Hon Oluwaseun Ajeigbe (S.S.A), members of Women in Mining, Osun State, and Barrister Akin-Ayo Oladimeji, Chairman of Osogbo Oroki ASM Multipurpose Cooperative, who also is the Vice Chairman, NASSI, Osun state chapter, including the founders of Olokemeji Radio/TV, Iragbiji, whose participation further enriched the event’s impact.

In his closing remarks, Prince Olusegun Okedele Timothy (Rtd. Customs Officer) called on the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, through the Executive Secretary of SMDF, to create a practical synergy between serious Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM) and licensed excavator and machinery renters. He emphasized that such collaboration would provide miners with easier access to essential equipment like excavators and earth-moving machines, enhance productivity, and reduce the challenges of manual operations.

Prince Okedele added that this initiative would strongly support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which aims to drive inclusive economic growth through effective utilization of the country’s solid minerals potential. He stressed that achieving this vision requires a practical, result-oriented approach built on trust, empowerment, and sustainable partnerships between government agencies and genuine artisanal miners.