The Ebonyi chapter of the Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) has sought for more government supports in the efforts to advance its activities in the state and boost the economy.
The group decried the way mining business in the state suffered a lot of challenges, ranging from lack of equipment, limited access to fund, insecurity among others.
Ms Sylvia Ogbuinya, WIMIN’s Coordinator in the state made the remark at the occasion of its Scorecard and Strategic Planning Meeting, tagged “Impact Evaluation and Sustainability” in Abakaliki on Wednesday.
Ogbuinya commended their success in the business over the year, noting that women miners in the state could now boast of having their own sites.
According to her, when we started mining, our members were not allowed to have their own sites but today, we have overcome such discrimination in the business.
“We have had series of workshops for members over the years and we are making progress.
“We need fund, equipment and manpower. When fund is available, it can be channelled to the purchase of equipment, financing, mines development, production among others.
“We need more support from the three tiers government and individuals in order to support capacity building.
“Women Miners have come to stay and we pledge to work as a team to bring the business to a limelight in Ebonyi,” she said.
Mr Francis Orji, Former Commissioner for Solid Minerals in the state said mining business was pertinent to building the economy, urging the women to keep the flag flying.
Orji made emphasis on capacity building, urging the women to utilise the knowledge acquired over the years and transfering it into good governance.
“Transfering it into good management for the real mining as well as financial management,” Orji added.
Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, Commissioner for Aviation in the state, represented by her Special Assistant, Nwafor Chizoba, congratulated members of the women mining on their progress so far and called for the need to embrace teamwork.
Mrs Lilian Ugbo, Coordinator of Women Miners in Ohaukwu local government area branch stressed the need to embrace transparency and accountability on dealing with the issues of mining and members in the efforts to advance the sector.
Dr Kelechukwu Okezie, Consultant, Women Miners said that taken their scorecard became necessary to check their success over the year.
“I call on members to continue to support their leadership and work as a team; together they can achieve more. You must also embrace strategic planning, because if you don’t plan you’ll fail,” Okezie said. ENDS//
