Oluwatope Oluwadarasimi Applauds FG’s Stance Against Raw Mineral Export, Urges Stakeholder Support.

Oluwatope Oluwadarasimi has commended the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, for his firm stance that mining licenses in Nigeria will only be granted to investors who demonstrate clear, actionable plans to add value to raw materials within the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oluwadarasimi praised the Minister’s reaffirmation — made during his address at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference — that the Federal Government will no longer award licenses to investors who merely extract and export raw minerals without contributing to local processing and industrial development.

He described the policy direction as “a bold and necessary step toward strengthening Nigeria’s economy and ending decades of dependence on raw material exports.”

*‘African Minerals Must Create African Wealth’*

Oluwadarasimi, who has consistently championed the principle that _“African minerals must create African wealth,”_ said prioritizing in-country beneficiation and processing is critical to unlocking the sector’s full potential.

“Value addition is non-negotiable if we are serious about industrialization,” he stated. “Processing our minerals locally will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, enhance technology transfer, boost small and medium-scale industries, and significantly increase national revenue through higher-value exports.”

He noted that Nigeria loses billions annually by exporting unprocessed lithium, gold, barite, and other critical minerals, while importing finished products made from those same resources. “This policy breaks that cycle,” Oluwadarasimi added.

*Call for Responsible Investment and Stakeholder Alignment*

Oluwadarasimi emphasized that the Minister’s position would encourage responsible investment, promote sustainable and environmentally sound mining practices, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global minerals value chain.

He urged stakeholders across the mining sector — including foreign investors, local operators, financial institutions, and host communities — to support the government’s vision by aligning their operations with policies that promote local value addition, skills development, and economic growth.

“Compliance is not just regulatory; it is patriotic and profitable,” he said. “Investors who process locally will find a ready market, government incentives, and a more stable operating environment.”

*A New Era for Solid Minerals*

Oluwadarasimi concluded by reiterating his support for the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and expressed optimism that this strategic direction would usher in a new era of prosperity for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

“The era of ‘dig and ship’ must end. With Minister Alake’s leadership, we are seeing the political will to ensure Nigeria’s mineral wealth finally works for Nigerians,” he said.

Oluwatope Oluwadarasimi is an advocate for resource nationalism, industrial development, and sustainable mining practices in Africa.

Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise”
— Dr Chris Okafor

…Evil communication corrupts good character
…The Holy Spirit is the seal of redemption

True Christian living, beyond winning souls, requires nurturing and sustaining new converts in the faith. This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during a teaching on “Understanding the Act of Discipleship.”
According to him, soul winning without proper establishment and follow-up defeats its purpose. “The goal is not just conversion but fruitfulness and continuity in Christ,” he emphasized, noting that believers must also understand the conditions that make prayers effective.

The Necessity of Discipleship

Dr Okafor outlined why discipleship is essential in the Christian journey:
New converts require guidance to withstand temptations that could pull them back into their former ways.
They must gradually disconnect from relationships and habits that previously weakened their faith.
Support systems should be in place to help them navigate personal and spiritual challenges.
Consistent follow-up, rooted in love and care, helps prevent discouragement and negative perceptions.
Proper integration into the body of Christ strengthens their sense of belonging and commitment.

Understanding Discipleship

He described discipleship as a deliberate process of helping believers grow in Christ and align with godly principles rather than worldly influences. It involves:
Guiding converts until Christ is fully formed in them.
Transmitting biblical values that strengthen their faith and daily conduct.

Practical Approach to Discipleship

The cleric highlighted key methods for effective discipleship:
Fervent prayer for the spiritual stability of new believers.
Demonstrating genuine love and consistent care.
Regular follow-up visits and visible engagement.
Encouraging early infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Teaching habits that sustain spiritual growth.

Habits That Strengthen Faith

To remain grounded, believers were encouraged to cultivate:
Daily study of the Word of God
Consistent prayer and fellowship with God
Active participation in church gatherings
Bold expression of their faith
A conscious rejection of unrighteousness
Deep-rooted commitment to the house of God

A Foundation for Growth

In conclusion, Dr Chris Okafor stressed that discipleship thrives when believers are rooted in sound spiritual guidance. “When you walk with the wise, you become wise,” he said, adding that strong spiritual formation protects individuals from negative influences and preserves godly character.

The Grace Nation Global Sunday Communion Service, observed by members worldwide, featured testimonies, healing sessions, deliverance, and a special child dedication, rounding off the service on a note of faith and celebration.

By Sunday Adeyemi
[email protected]

*APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

The attention of right-thinking Nigerians has been drawn to the misguided and politically contrived statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which it accused Governor Seyi Makinde of incitement over his reference to “Operation Wetie”. Let it be stated without equivocation, the APC’s reaction is not only a gross distortion of context but also a troubling exhibition of either wilful ignorance or a fundamental inability to comprehend even the most elementary use of historical analogy. One is left to wonder whether those who crafted that statement possess even a kindergarten grasp of the English language, let alone the intellectual depth required for serious political discourse.

Governor Makinde’s remarks were clearly cautionary and not incendiary. His reference to “Operation Wetie” was an invocation of history, nothing more and nothing less. It was a sober reminder of the catastrophic consequences that follow when democratic processes are subverted, dissent is stifled and political arrogance is allowed to fester unchecked.To interpret such a warning as a call to violence is either intellectually dishonest or deliberately mischievous.

By attempting to criminalise a legitimate historical reference, the APC exposes a deeper anxiety, an unease with truth and a discomfort with reminders of what unchecked political excess can produce. The tragedy of the Western Region crisis is not a subject to be buried under partisan convenience, it is a lesson to be studied, understood and heeded.

It is both ironic and alarming that a party which claims to defend democracy would seek to undermine historical consciousness. Such conduct betrays a troubling tendency towards authoritarian thinking, where even words of caution are twisted into offences and dissenting voices are vilified rather than engaged.

The statement by Felix Morka, in particular, collapses under the weight of its own exaggeration. To leap from a historical reference to claims of “anarchy” and “murderous rage” is not only illogical but borders on the absurd. It is political theatre of the lowest quality. Furthermore, the attempt to cloak this mischaracterisation in the language of “national security” is both reckless and disingenuous. National security is far too important to be reduced to a tool for partisan intimidation.

The APC would do well to engage in introspection rather than projection. This pattern of deliberate misrepresentation and inflammatory overreach poses a greater risk to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

Nigeria deserves a political culture rooted in honesty, maturity and intellectual rigour not one diminished by propaganda, distortion and opportunism. In the final analysis, the issue is simple, those who cannot understand history are often the first to misinterpret it and unfortunately, the most likely to repeat its errors.

-Olufemi Aduwo is a

Permanent Representative of CCDI to the ECOSOC/United Nations.

NB: Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, is a non-profit organisation with Consultative Status of United Nations