The Ijesaland Mineral Resources Development Forum (IMRDF), in collaboration with the Ilesa Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ILECCIMA), on Thursday hosted the 2026 Ijesaland Mining Conference, bringing together mining experts, investors, government officials, traditional rulers, academics, mining operators and other stakeholders to chart a sustainable future for the region's mineral resources.
The one-day stakeholders and investors forum moderated by Alagba Wale Idowu was held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Main Auditorium of the University of Ilesa, Osun State, with the theme: “Unlocking Mining Values for the Economic Development of Ijesaland, by Promoting Best Mining Practices and World-Class Environmental Stewardship.”
The conference commenced with registration and networking, followed by an opening session and welcome address delivered by Mr. Ezekiel Olasupo Shadiya, FNMGS, FNAPE, Chairman of IMRDF and Chairman of the Mining Trade Section of ILECCIMA.
Shadiya welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, for his leadership and commitment to the development of Ijesaland.
He also acknowledged the Osun State Government, represented by the Special Adviser on Mining and Mineral Matters, Professor Lukman Adekilekun Jimoda, alongside traditional rulers, investors, mining operators, government officials, academics and other stakeholders.
According to Shadiya, the conference was jointly organised to reposition mining as a major catalyst for sustainable economic development in Ijesaland.
He said the theme of the conference underscored the need to pursue mining in a manner that creates wealth, jobs and business opportunities while protecting the environment and promoting the welfare of host communities.
The IMRDF Chairman identified the major objectives of the forum as showcasing Ijesaland's mineral potential, attracting credible investors, promoting safe and responsible mining, encouraging environmental stewardship, protecting host communities and creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and local businesses.
He called for stronger governance and reforms in Nigeria's mining sector, improved environmental accountability, better revenue arrangements and greater participation by states and host communities.
Shadiya also urged mining companies to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities.
Highlighting the growing potential of Ijesaland in the mining industry, he referred to existing large-scale operations in the area and stressed the need for the region to move beyond the export of raw minerals.
He advocated greater investment in mineral processing, refining, jewellery production and other downstream industries capable of creating more jobs and retaining greater value within Ijesaland.
Shadiya proposed a five-pillar framework for mining development centred on the formalisation of artisanal mining, local beneficiation and industrialisation, improved access to finance, skills and technology development, as well as stronger regional and global market integration.
He called for greater collaboration among government, investors, traditional institutions, communities, academia and civil society, stressing that Ijesaland's mineral wealth must be transformed through knowledge, technology and human capacity into sustainable prosperity for the people.
Experts Examine Ijesaland's Mineral Potential
The technical sessions featured presentations by leading professionals and experts in geology and mining.
Professor Gbenga Okunlola, Professor of Economic Geology at the University of Ibadan and President of the Geological Society of Africa, delivered a technical presentation on the geology and mineral resource potential of Ijesaland.
Another presentation by Dr. Kayode Aromolaran, an Economic Geologist at the University of Ibadan, examined the comparative attractiveness of Ijesaland for sustainable commercial mineral development.
Dr. Timothy Peterson, Managing Director of NAMPET Geophysical, also spoke on the need to move solid minerals development beyond discovery towards commercialisation and value creation.
Participants also examined lessons from existing large-scale mining operations.
Engr. Sikiru, Mining Manager of Segilola Resources Operating Limited, delivered a presentation on gold mining techniques, drilling and blasting, operational excellence and world-class environmental stewardship, highlighting ways of maximising value from large-scale mining activities.
In a presentation on host community development, Alayande Bolaji, representing Mr. Austin Menegbo, Country Manager of Segilola Resources Operating Limited, presented a case study on the implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDAs).
He emphasised stakeholder engagement and the importance of the CDA committee in ensuring regular interaction between mining companies and their host communities.
According to him, effective community participation in identifying, prioritising, implementing and monitoring development projects promotes ownership, accountability and sustainability.
He said when host communities are involved in planning, delivery and monitoring, CDA projects become more relevant, trusted and sustainable.
Owa Obokun Calls for Collective Development
The Royal Guest of Honour, the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, was represented at the conference by High Chief Afolabi Makanjuola, the Odole of Ilesa, Lady Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, Chief of Staff to Owa among others.
The monarch's message, delivered by Ajirowa Lateef Bakare, focused on the need to harness Ijesaland's natural and human endowments for the collective benefit of the Ijesa people.
The Owa Obokun emphasised a development agenda built around the strategic exploitation of the region's resources, with agriculture, commerce and mining identified as critical sectors for economic growth.
He challenged the people of Ijesaland to work together and embrace cooperative industrialisation as a major pillar for the sustainable development of the region.
Osun Government Highlights Mining Opportunities
Professor Lukman Adekilekun Jimoda, Special Adviser on Mining and Mineral Matters to Governor Ademola Adeleke, said Osun State possesses enormous opportunities in the solid minerals sector.
He disclosed that the state has over 300 mining licences, with a significant proportion of the licensed mining activities located in Ijesaland.
Jimoda noted that mining has enormous economic potential but also presents challenges that require effective regulation, monitoring and conflict management.
He said Osun State had taken steps to protect and maximise the value of its mining assets, adding that the state is now a shareholder in Segilola Resources Operating Limited to the tune of about N7 billion.
According to him, the investment is generating dividends for the state, while the mining company also contributes through taxes and other statutory obligations.
The Special Adviser stressed the need for reliable and responsible investors, assuring stakeholders that the government would continue to monitor and protect the state's mining assets.
He also commended the University of Ilesa for its contribution to manpower development and expressed support for programmes capable of producing professionals for the mining and related industries.
Financing, Investment and Host Communities Take Centre Stage
The conference also featured a discussion on financing and investment opportunities in the mining sector.
Mr. Femi Shittu, Group Head for Mining and Metals at the Bank of Industry, discussed investment pathways, project financing models and opportunities available to operators and investors in Nigeria's mining industry.
The final plenary session focused on operational excellence, corporate social responsibility, community development and the importance of maintaining the confidence and support of mining host communities.
The panel featured Engr. Wasiu Adeboye, Mr. John Olufemi Fadare, General Secretary of IMRDF; Mr. Dele Ayanleke, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria; Mr. James Ojediran and Mr. Sharafadeen Olopade. The session was moderated by Mr. Femi Esan.
Speaking on the opportunities available to businesses, Gbenga Neye of the Bank of Industry (BOI) encouraged entrepreneurs in need of funding to explore the financial support and advisory services offered by the institution.
“If you need funds to finance your business, the Bank of Industry is available to support you,” Leye said, noting that the bank provides advisory and financial assistance for the establishment of large, medium and small enterprises, as well as the rehabilitation of ailing businesses.
The conference ended with the presentation of a certificates of participation and closing remarks.
Driving Responsible Mining in Ijesaland
The organisers said the forum was designed to showcase the mining potential of Ijesaland, including gold, gemstones, quarry materials and other mineral resources, while attracting credible investors and strategic partners.
Other objectives include promoting safe, value-creating and environmentally responsible mining practices, encouraging policies that protect and benefit host communities, positioning mining as a catalyst for structured economic development, and highlighting opportunities for job creation and the growth of local businesses.
IMRDF, which was inaugurated in May 2020, is an advocacy group committed to promoting responsible and sustainable mining development in Ijesaland.
Since its establishment, the Forum has engaged stakeholders across government, communities and the mining industry through advocacy campaigns and stakeholder engagement programmes.
The 2026 Ijesaland Mining Conference, jointly organised by IMRDF and ILECCIMA, has therefore provided another platform for critical stakeholders to examine issues affecting the mining sector, attract responsible investment and ensure that the vast mineral resources of Ijesaland contribute meaningfully to the economic prosperity of the region.
With its strong focus on investment, environmental responsibility, host community participation, value addition and local economic development, the conference reinforced the growing call for a more structured, sustainable and value-driven approach to mining in Ijesaland.
COVERAGE SCRIPT ✍️ CAMERA 📸 CREDIT: OLADIMEJI LASORE (+2347035105413, [email protected])
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