By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
The Federal Government says it will still conduct its proposed airborne geophysical survey in Ebonyi State to improve availability of relevant information and data.
The Media/Communications Officer of the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (Min Diver) Ishiaku Kigbu made the disclosure in a statement he signed and made available to the newsmen.
Kigbu in the statement said that Min Diver which is under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will facilitate the exercise.
“The activity will generate data to enhance the diversification of the economy in realisation of the present administration’s renewed hope agenda.
“An international consultant, Excalibur, will conduct the activity through the use of yellow-coloured, small aircraft fitted with aeromagnetic lenses.
“These aircraft will carry out aeromagnetic surveys in selected states of the federation including Ebonyi,”.
The communication officer said that the Ministry had earlier sensitized Ebonyi people on the implementation of the exercise.
“The state will thus experience flights of these special aircraft at very low altitude, in a repeated pattern to capture magnetic anomalies.
“The aircraft will capture geological information and data in Abakaliki, Afikpo North, Edda, Ebonyi, Ezza North, Ezza South, Ikwo, Ishielu, Ivo, Izzi, Ohaozara, Ohaukwu and Onicha Local Government Areas of Ebonyi.
“The Ministry therefore informs the state and concerned LGAs not to panic or entertain fears as the activity is safe,”.
He noted that the notice became necessary due to the country’s security situation and to ensure that the people were not misinformed.
The airborne geophysical survey commenced in June 2021, and robust sensitisation campaigns carried out in the 19 states covered by the activity.
“The program experienced overlaps due to weather conditions and logistic reasons but has recorded significant progress since commencement”, Kigbu said.
