Ijesaland in Osun State is blessed with gold. But this natural resource is yet to yield expected development as a result of the activities of illegal miners.
Instead of visible development as a result of this natural resource, the community says insecurity, land degradation and social vices have been their experience. Some community leaders in the area, however, vow to stop it.
By official documentation, gold mining started in Ijesaland in the 50s but recent decades have witnessed an upsurge in the activities of artisanal miners.
This came with the influx of people from other parts of the country and the world which has resulted in a myriad of problems ranging from insecurity to land degradation and crime.
The Itagunmodi community is called the City of Gold because of the large deposits of gold in the area. But there seems to be nothing golden in the town as the residents lament neglect and land degradation.
Samson Omolayo has been a gold miner for over 35 years. He confirmed that the money they are paid is just enough to eat.
Some indigenes of Ijesaland under the auspices of Ijesa Minerals Resources Development Forum have vowed to put an end to illegal mining and demand for development from the licensed miners.
Many say, the recently announced proposal for gold mining refinery plant by President Muhammadu Buhari might just be a respite, if it is sited in Ijesaland.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
