Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, on Friday, said that Nigeria cannot remain poor with the vast mineral resources spread across the country if it joins the world in switching from fossil fuels to solid minerals.

Alake emphasized on the importance of the gemstone and jewelry-making industry in unlocking the value of Nigeria’s mineral wealth.

The Minister disclosed this in Abuja, during the opening of the National Gemstone and Jewellery show and the presentation of certificates to graduates of the MinDiver-sponsored gemstone and jewelry-making programme in Nigeria.

The Minister also presented starter packs to trainees of the MinDiver skill acquisition program in the jewelry and gemstone sub-sector of the mineral and metals industry and commends them on acquiring the necessary skills to contribute to the sector’s growth, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in the industry.

Alake said: “There is no state in this country that has not got one type of solid mineral, be it gemstones, and others minerals with critical metrics, We have them all. So why should Nigeria be talking of poverty?

“If we would have done the needful years and decades ago, if we had diverted our attention to this sector, it is capable of sustaining the Nigerian economy.

“But we didn’t, because we had oil and we had free flow of petrol dollars that shut our eyes to those critical sectors, like solid minerals, like the gemstone and jewellery, or agriculture. But today we are here because the nation can no longer solely rely on petro dollars.

“The world is moving away from petrolia and other energy sources that contribute significantly to global warming, so we are all moving away from those energy sources to greener energy sources. And this source is solid mineral critical, metal necessary to transit the world into less suffocation for global warming.”

In his remarks, the Project Coordinator of MinDiver, Engr. Sallim Salaam, encouraged the attendees to observe the passion and dedication that went into creating each piece of jewellery on display, urging them to “watch with intrinsic eyes and connect with the artistry.”

He commended the exhibitors for their tireless efforts in bringing the most innovative jewellery products, the latest trends, techniques and materials, ensuring that there was something for everyone to admire and cherish.

Salaam said: “We also have in this hall young graduates of Jewellery-making and design who have come to showcase their recently acquired skills and Jewellery products. They are here to have the opportunity to interface with their seniors in the Jewellery industry.

“Our exhibitors have worked tirelessly to bring us the most innovative jewellery products, the latest trends, techniques, and materials. No doubt, there is something for everyone to admire and cherish in this exhibition.”

He told the graduates that after going through the MInDiver sponsored Master Training and advanced training programme in jewellery-making, the objective was for them to return to their respective states to train more people with the support of their state governments.

Also speaking, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD), Dr. Mary Ogbe, appealed to the state governor’s to assist the graduates of gemstone and jewelry-making with funds to take off their businesses.

She said: “What we need more as a country is love for the country by practicing. Let’s love ourselves enough to patronize ourselves to patronize maybe Nigeria comes that way recreates job people and growth of the nation.”

The exhibition showcased the intricate and stunning jewelry pieces created by the graduates, highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship that exists within the industry. The event was attended by government officials, industry stakeholders, and members of the public, all of whom were impressed by the quality and innovation on display.