“Do things Right and You shall get there”, Mining Expert Tells Youths
The Registrar of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers, Professor Zacheus O. Opafunso has enjoined the Nigerian youths through the members of the National Association of Polytechnic Students not to make moves that could destroy their future as Nigeria has so much hope in them
He was speaking at the occasion of the courtesy visit paid on him by the body of delegates of the National Association of Polytechnic Students, (the second largest students movement in Africa) who paid him a courtesy call at the COMEG Office in Abuja.
The Registrar whilst addressing the visitors enjoined them to adhere to the anticidents of the founding fathers of the polythecnic and to do what would make them proud at all times. He added that opportunity abound in Nigeria for products of the Polythecnic to excel rather than staying idle at home and expect miracles to happen
Professor Opafunso advised the Students union leaders to shun violence and embrace dialogue with constituted authorities at all time. According to him, “violence does not pay, do everything in a non violent way”. He shared his experience of how he and his peers engaged the government constuctively while he was the vice president of the Students union and they got good results.
He further highlited the efforts of the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc Olamilekan Adegbite and the Federal government towards repositioning the Mining industry which include but not limited to; job creation especially for the youths and 5 years tax free holiday for investors seeking to import mining equipment so that illegal miners can come to the mainstream.
While encouraging them to remain civil, disciplined and peaceful, he pledged to put in his best within the confines of the law in the service of the nation in his capacity as COMEG Registrar to improve on the status and structures on ground as well as continue to cherish the relationship with the polythecnic family for mutual benefit
Earlier in his speech, the spokesperson of the team comrade Adekanbi Sunday Asuka had appreciated the Registrar for being a shinning star to the youth which informed the decision to honour him with the NAPS Outstanding Leadership Award (NOLA) 2020. On behalf of his constituency, he appreciated him for registering his footprint in the sands of time.
‘Bunmi Ojo
Head(Publicity& Communications)
