As part of its efforts to create job opportunity in solid mineral sector, the Federal Government is set to establish Gold Processing Cluster in Kogi State.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade made this known when she paid a visit on Governor Yahaya Bello in lokoja the kogi state capital.

She stated that Kogi was selected for the North Central Zone owing to the abundant mineral resources in the state.

According to her, the state was blessed with abundance mineral resources which the government and the people need to take advantage to create wealth for the people.

She maintained that establishment of gold processing plant and other facilities that will help local miners in the state will help in boosting the state and nation’s economies, job and wealth creation.

In her words, the project is to be sited in Mopa Muro Local Government Area of the state.

In a remark, Governor Yahaya Bello, commended the Federal Government for showing interest in solid mineral development in the country and particularly in Kogi.

He noted that the state is home to all kinds of solid minerals while urging more investment in the development of the nation’s steel sector.

Bello noted that the setting up of Gold Processing Cluster in Kogi will again drive more investors into the state which he said will surpass investment inflow into the state in the last quarter of the year 2020 when Kogi recorded highest investment inflow in the country.

The governor assured the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development of his administration’s readiness to partner with the ministry in harnessing solid minerals in the state.

He mandeted his deputy, Edward Onoja to oversees the State’s Ministry of Solid Mineral which will provide the needed input owing to his background as a Geo-miner.

This is contained in a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Muhammed Onogu.