Press Release – WIMIN to Hold Maiden Gold and Gems Conference and Exhibition in Lagos on 4th and 5th Nov. 2022
Wed, October 26, 2022 – Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN), through its Lagos Chapter, is hosting the maiden edition of its Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition at the Metropolitan Club and Silantro Restaurant in Lagos on the 4th and 5th of Nov, 2022. The event is in collaboration with its concept partners namely APATA Gems, AC & C Priceless Nig. Ltd, and Energy and Mineral Resources Nig. Ltd, with the sole objective of promoting value addition and encouraging the participation of more women in the sector through sensitization and exposure to financial institutions, potential investors and government.
“Lagos is a strategic location with vast economic and financial potentials which, if well harnessed, could result in the transformation of the state into a major Jewellery hub where mineral trading and jewelry making can grow and make significant economic impact. This is part of our efforts as an organisation geared towards mainstreaming gender in the solid mineral sector in Nigeria.
“The nearness of Lagos to the gold-rich Osun and Ondo states, as well as Oyo’s rich precious stones and Ogun’s industrial minerals, coupled with the infrastructure in Lagos, i.e. the sea port for bulk evacuation, rail system, and the airport are great advantages to boost our aspirations. All these are in addition to Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s transformational drive to promote diversification and job creation in the state. What he did in the leather sector can be re-created in the mining sector despite the fact that mining is in the exclusive list of the Federal government. Building the capacities of younger citizens to engage in value addition will create more employment opportunities without conflict or breach of the constitution”, said Engr. Janet Adeyemi, President of Women in Mining Nigeria.
The Plenary session shall have professionals from across the sector for valued presentations with attendance cutting across diverse groups. Top government representatives, traditional rulers, financial institutions and members of Women in Mining Nigeria are expected to participate in the conference. There will also be an Exhibition and Private viewing on the 3rd of November for a select few to woo them to invest in the sector. The Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Miners Association of Nigeria will also be in attendance.
This conference shall address the strategic role of women in the development of the solid mineral sector in Nigeria and shall further examine the investment environment of mining as it affects women, realizing the critical limitations to funding, how and where to engage as an investor- especially in the midstream, side stream or downstream sectors- where value addition is important, as well as reflecting on the opportunities and challenges. The highlight of the two-day event is the design competition where the best jewelry designer shall be selected and will walk away with great gifts.
Assessment of the designs shall be done by very reputable jewelry designers. There will also be great recognition and promotion of our sponsors, conferment of awards and induction of members of WIMIN in the Lagos State Chapter.
According to Eng. Adeyemi, it is imperative that all critical stakeholders in the mining sector make efforts in ensuring that women are carried along across the solid mineral value chain, considering the strategic role they play in the development of the sector in Nigeria. She further enjoined the government, critical stakeholders and the general public to join hands with WIMIN in the push for gender mainstreaming in the sector.
“No nation can develop when more than 50% of its population is neglected. To grow as a nation, none should be left behind. This is the time to ensure that Nigeria’s gold and Precious Stones are traceable to Nigeria and listed in the ‘Yellow book’”, she added.
To be a part of this history-making event, you can visit https://lagosgoldandgemconference.com/# for more details or to register.
