Speech of the National President, Women in Mining Nigeria, Engr Janet Adeyemi delivered at the Opening of the International Gem Market in Ibadan (4 May, 2023)
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR,
The Governor of Oyo state, the host, The Hon Minister of Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel, Arc Olamilekan Adegbite,
The Hon Minister of State, Sen. Gbemi Saraki, The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade,
The Director ASM, Alhaji Yunusa Mohammed,
All staff of the Ministry,
President of Miners Association of Nigeria,
All other associations Present,
Captains and Consultants in the mining industry
Good morning esteemed guests and distinguished officials, On behalf of Women in Mining, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the Government of Nigeria, through the Honorable Minister, on the opening of the International Gem Market. This is a significant achievement for the mining industry in Nigeria, and we are excited about the opportunities it presents for our country and particularly for women in the mining sector.
The cluster Development project in the various geopolitical zones is not only timely but also critical in supporting the sector’s recovery and growth. As you all know, women in the mining industry have faced numerous challenges, including limited access to opportunities, training, and finance. However, with the opening of the International Gem Market, we believe that women in the mining sector can now access a larger market and better prices for their gemstones.
The International Gem Market provides a platform for women in the mining sector to showcase their products and compete with other international players in the industry. This will enable women to earn a fair price for their gems and increase their income levels, which will ultimately contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria. Moreover, the opening of the International Gem Market will lead to the creation of more jobs in the mining sector, particularly for women. This will enhance their economic empowerment, as they will have access to more job opportunities and better working conditions.
We would like to express our gratitude to the Government of Nigeria for their commitment to the development of the mining industry and for creating an enabling environment for women to thrive in this sector. We also commend the Honorable Minister for his tireless dedication towards ensuring that women in the mining sector are given equal opportunities to participate and contribute to the growth of the industry.
In conclusion, we believe that the opening of the International Gem Market is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s mining industry and particularly for women in the sector. We are confident that this will lead to the growth and development of the industry and contribute to the overall economic growth of Nigeria. Once again, congratulations to the Government of Nigeria and the Honorable Ministers for this achievement. Thank you.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
