By Seyi Babalola
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde signed an executive order on Monday to safeguard mining communities in the state from insecurity and exploitation.
Makinde also issued an executive order to establish the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The Governor stated in his remarks that the signing aimed to provide legal support to his administration’s efforts in the solid mineral and tourist sectors.
He said the two executive orders came against the backdrop of his administration’s decision to drive its economic expansion agenda through tourism development and solid mineral development.
The Governor said: “Though mining activity is on the exclusive legislative list, the state government chose to be proactive in ensuring adequate protection of the mining communities against insecurity and exploitation, as well as on the attendant environmental issues.
“For some time now, we have been watching the developments within our mining communities and we have to deal with security challenges around those communities.”
“The second executive order is on the establishment of the ministry of culture and tourism, because culture and tourism is a major pillar in our roadmap for sustainable development, 2023-2027,” he said.
