Austin Ajayi l Yola.
In the quest to diversify the economy by the present administration of President Bola Tinubu, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has notify the
people of Adamawa and Taraba states, that the Federal Government will be embarking on an airborne geophysical survey within the fringes of Local Governments that borders the two States.
The activity which is being supported by the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (MinDiver) is carried out by an international Consultant called Excalibur and involves the use of yellow coloured small aircrafts fitted with aeromagnetic lenses to carry out aeromagnetic surveys in selected states of the federation including Adamawa and Taraba
In a press statement signed by Ishaku KIGBU, Media and Communication Officer MinDiver made available to TGNEWS stated that the department had carried out full sensitisation in these states earlier, noting that the aero magnet survey activity is still ongoing hence the states will experience the flying of these special aircrafts at very low altitude in a repeated pattern to capture magnetic anomalies.
The statement further added that “people living in local governments areas between Taraba and Adamawa States should not panic when they notice small yellow coloured aircrafts flying at low altitude to capture geological information and data in their localities within the two States”.
Local government areas that will witness the low flights are Ardo Kola, Jalingo, Karim Lamido, Lau, Yorro and Zing LGAs in Taraba and Mayo, Balwa, Demsa, Ganye and Toungo LGAs in Adamawa State.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development said this has become very necessary given the security situation in the country and to ensure that the people are not misinformed or dis-informed.
It could be recall that the Airborne Geophysical Mapping Survey started in June 2021, and a robust sensitisation and enlightenment campaign was carried out in the 19 States that were to be covered by the activity.
The program experienced overlaps due to weather conditions and logistical reasons but has been progressing well since it started.
“This sensitisation exercise is to further tell the people of Taraba and Adamawa States not to panic upon sighting the aircraft, noting that the reassurance is necessary given the current security situation in the country.
