… Launch Strategic Sector Revival
By Manasseh Achi
In what stakeholders have described as a watershed moment for resource development in Benue State, history was made as members of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society held a landmark gathering in Makurdi—the first of its kind in the state’s over five decades of existence.
The convergence, which took place on March 19, brought together nearly 40 professionals drawn from academia, government institutions, regulatory bodies, and the private sector.
Participants travelled from across the country, including Lagos, Abuja, Plateau State, Kebbi State, Oyo State, and Nasarawa State, underscoring the national significance of the event.
More than a routine meeting, the gathering marked the formal birth of a coordinated professional movement aimed at unlocking Benue’s vast but largely underutilised mineral resources. For years, experts have pointed to the state’s untapped geological wealth, lamenting the absence of a structured, technically driven framework to harness it for economic growth.
That narrative, stakeholders say, is now set to change.
The meeting served as a platform for the convergence of expertise, unification of professional voices, and the articulation of a shared vision to reposition the mining and geosciences sector in the state.
Participants resolved to support government policy direction, strengthen technical input into governance, and ensure that mineral resource development translates into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
A major highlight of the event was a keynote address delivered by Rex Hegen Aii, who emphasised the importance of strong professional chapters in driving institutional impact.
Speaking on the theme of building a vibrant NMGS chapter in Benue, he challenged stakeholders to prioritise collaboration, integrity, and sustainability in sector development.
Equally significant was an orientation session led by Tersoo Aga, who outlined the vision, structure, and strategic role of the Society. The session provided clarity on how a state chapter could serve as a critical bridge between policy formulation and technical implementation.
The meeting culminated in key milestones, including the formal naming of the NMGS Makurdi Chapter, its proposed domicile at the Benue Geo-Mining Company Ltd, and the election of pioneer executives to steer its establishment.
Dr. Tersoo Aga emerged as Chairman of the chapter, alongside Dr. Erdoo Mongol as Vice Chairman and Dr. Hilary Jika as Secretary. Other members of the executive include Ms. Miranda Uye (Treasurer), Mr. Emmanuel Ordams (Financial Secretary), Engr. Emma A. Atov (Welfare Secretary), and Mr. Anslem Nege (Public Relations Officer).
The convener of the historic gathering described the development as a collective achievement anchored on shared vision rather than individual effort, noting that the initiative is designed to outlive its founders and serve future generations.
Industry observers believe the emergence of the NMGS Makurdi Chapter signals the beginning of a new era defined by evidence-based policy engagement, structured collaboration, and responsible resource management.
It is also expected to amplify professional input in decision-making processes, ensuring that mining activities in the state align with global best practices.
As momentum builds, stakeholders are optimistic that the initiative will catalyse a transformation capable of repositioning Benue as a key player in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
From conversation to coordination, and now to transformation, a new chapter has begun.
Indeed, Benue is rising—this time powered by knowledge, collaboration, and purpose.
Achi writes this piece from Makurdi , the Benue state capital.
Below are sights and sounds during the gathering.
