Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday signed an executive order to protect mining communities in the state against insecurity and exploitation.

Mr Makinde also signed another executive order to establish the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The governor said the signing was to give legal backing to his administration’s efforts in the solid mineral and tourism sectors. 

He said the two executive orders came against the backdrop of his administration’s decision to drive its economic expansion agenda through tourism development and solid mineral development.

“Though mining activity is on the exclusive legislative list, the state government chose to be proactive in ensuring adequate protection of the mining communities against insecurity and exploitation, as well as on the attendant environmental issues,” Mr Makinde explained. 

He noted that “for some time now, we have been watching the developments within our mining communities and we have to deal with security challenges around those communities.”

The Oyo governor added, “The second executive order is on the establishment of the ministry of culture and tourism because culture and tourism is a major pillar in our roadmap for sustainable development, 2023-2027.” 

(NAN)