Her Royal Majesty, Olori Folasade Ashley representing the Ooni at the event
By Victoria Onehi
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has said accross Nigeria, women are proving that mining is not just a source of jobs, but a platform for innovation, leadership, and national development.
The Ooni who is the Grand Patron of the Women in Mining Nigeria stated this at the inauguration of the new Board of Trustees of the organisation yesterday.
Oba Ogunwusi who was ably represented by his wife Her Royal Majesty, Olori Folasade Ashley said through sheer grit and persistent excellence, women are engaging in all facets of mining, small-scale mining, corporate governance, technical operations and advocacy for more inclusive policies.
In his address he said, “Today, we acknowledge the increasing role women are playing in mining across Nigeria. From underground operations to community leadership, from data analysis to environmental management, women continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and contribute meaningfully to an industry once dominated almost exclusively by men. Your commitment is changing narratives and it’s not just inspiring, it’s transformative.You are role models for the next generation of young girls who will one day help power this sector forward.
The Ooni said recent figures from the National Bureau of Statistics show that the solid minerals sector has grown significantly, contributing approximately 4.6% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product in the latest quarters of 2025, up strongly from less than 0.5% a decade ago.
This growth he said is a clear signal that mining is becoming a more meaningful part of economic landscape diversifying away from traditional reliance on oil and gas and opening opportunities for sustainable wealth creation, job generation, and community empowerment.
He urged the new members of the board to bring in their wealth of experience to the sector and help mentor young women in the sector.
He said: “To the new Board, comprising eminent personalities, I’m excited about your contributions. Yet, the true value of this sector goes beyond numbers. The real impact comes in the lives uplifted, the families supported, the communities transformed, and the doors opened for young women and men to envision a future rich in possibility.
“To the next generation, see mining not as a last resort but as a positive step toward economic independence, technological advancement, and environmental stewardship. You have before you a pathway that holds real promise. With formal training, collaboration, innovation, and a dedication to ethical practices, you can shape this sector into one that honors both people and the planet.
“As we celebrate progress, we also recognise that much work remains. We must continue to advocate for policies that expand access to capital, skills training, and leadership opportunities for women. We must champion education and mentorship, so that young girls grow up seeing mining as a field where they belong and can thrive.”Ogunwusi said.
In her address,The Founder and National President of Women in Mining Nigeria, Engr.(Dr) Janet Adeyemi, said since its official registration on 7th November 2006, Women in Mining Nigeria has grown into a nationally and continentally recognised platform advancing gender inclusion, professionalism, sustainability, and value addition across the mineral value chain.
“Over the years, WIMIN has evolved beyond advocacy to become a constructive stakeholder in policy dialogue—engaging government, regulators, industry, and development partners on artisanal and small-scale mining formalisation, occupational health and safety, access to finance, skills development, gemstone beneficiation, and women’s economic empowerment.
“This progress reflects the vision of our founders, the dedication of our members, and the support of partners and public institutions. It also underscores the importance of strong governance structures—particularly the Board of Trustees—in safeguarding credibility, institutional memory, and strategic direction.
“As we inaugurate this Second Board of Trustees, Women in Mining Nigeria respectfully places the following priority before government, regulators, industry partners, and development institutions: To institutionalise Gender Inclusion in Mining Policy.”We call for the deliberate mainstreaming of gender considerations within mining laws, regulations, and implementation frameworks—ensuring women’s participation across artisanal, small-scale, and large-scale mining, including access to licences, finance, and decision-making platforms.
“Also,we ask for a dedicated Financing and Incentives for Women-Led Mining Enterprises.We urge the creation of gender-responsive financing windows, credit guarantees, and fiscal incentives to support women-owned and women-led mining, processing, and value-addition enterprises, particularly in gold and gemstones.”Adeyemi said.
