Prominent stakeholder in the solid minerals sector, Oluwatope Oluwadarasimi, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his firm commitment to ensuring value addition in Nigeria’s mining industry.

Reacting to the President’s recent statement at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he declared that “No one can take metal out of Nigeria without adding value,” Oluwatope described the policy as a bold and necessary step towards industrial growth and economic development.

“I strongly align with this vision,” Oluwatope said. “I am currently undergoing professional training in jewellery making as part of my contribution toward ensuring value addition to Nigeria’s gold production.”

He expressed optimism that Nigeria can become a leading hub for gold jewellery manufacturing in Africa, stressing the need to move beyond raw mineral exports to processing and refining locally.

Oluwatope also announced plans to sponsor and empower young Nigerians with skills in jewellery making and related crafts, saying the initiative will create jobs, reduce unemployment, and promote entrepreneurship.

He urged fellow miners and industry stakeholders to fully support the government’s value addition policy, noting that collective efforts will build a stronger and more beneficial mining sector for investors and the Nigerian economy.

He further called for increased government support for local investors, particularly through easier access to finance and investment opportunities.

Oluwatope believes that with the right policies and investments in value addition, Nigeria has the potential to become a global force in gold production and jewellery manufacturing.