Ooni hails women in mining, urges them to continue breaking barriers

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has acknowledged the growing role of women in Nigeria’s mining sector, urging them to continue breaking barriers and contributing meaningfully to the industry’s growth. The monarch, who is the Grand Patron of Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN), made the remarks at the inauguration of the organisation’s second Board of […]

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has acknowledged the growing role of women in Nigeria’s mining sector, urging them to continue breaking barriers and contributing meaningfully to the industry’s growth.

The monarch, who is the Grand Patron of Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN), made the remarks at the inauguration of the organisation’s second Board of Trustees.

Oba Ogunwusi, who was represented by his wife, Her Royal Majesty Olori Folasade Ashley, said women across Nigeria are increasingly demonstrating that mining is not only a source of employment but also a platform for innovation, leadership and national development.

In his address, the Ooni 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 is not just inspiring, it is transformative. You are role models for the next generation of young girls who will one day help power this sector forward.”

The monarch cited recent figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, noting that the solid minerals sector has grown significantly, contributing about 4.6 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product in recent quarters of 2025, compared with less than 0.5 per cent a decade ago.

He said the growth signals that mining is becoming a more meaningful part of Nigeria’s economic landscape, helping to diversify the economy away from oil and gas while opening opportunities for sustainable wealth creation, job generation and community empowerment.

Oba Ogunwusi urged members of the newly inaugurated board to deploy their wealth of experience to mentor young women entering the sector.

“To the new Board, comprising eminent personalities, I am excited about your contributions. Yet, the true value of this sector goes beyond numbers. The real impact lies in lives uplifted, families supported, communities transformed, and doors opened for young women and men to envision a future rich in possibility,” he said.
He added:

“To the next generation, see mining not as a last resort but as a positive step toward economic independence, technological advancement, and environmental stewardship. With formal training, collaboration, innovation and a dedication to ethical practices, you can shape this sector into one that honours 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.”

In her address, the Founder and National President of Women in Mining Nigeria, Janet Adeyemi, said that since its official registration on November 7, 2006, the organisation has grown into a nationally and continentally recognised platform promoting 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,” she said.

Adeyemi noted that the organisation’s progress reflects the vision of its founders, the dedication of its members and the support of partners and public institutions, stressing the importance of strong governance structures, particularly the Board of Trustees, in safeguarding credibility and strategic direction.

“As we inaugurate this second Board of Trustees, Women in Mining Nigeria respectfully places this priority before government, regulators, industry partners and development institutions: the institutionalisation of gender inclusion in mining policy,” she said.

She called for the deliberate mainstreaming of gender considerations in mining laws, regulations and implementation frameworks to ensure women’s participation across artisanal, small-scale and large-scale mining, including access to licences, finance and decision-making platforms.

Adeyemi also advocated stronger support for women in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).

“We call for targeted programmes for women in ASM, including simplified licensing, technical training, health and safety standards, environmental management support and access to markets, thereby improving productivity, compliance and livelihoods,” she said.