One of Europe’s largest nuclear energy companies, Rosatom, has commenced exploration of lithium in Edo and has got the state government’s approval to build a lithium processing plant.

The Commissioner of Mining and Energy, Enaholo Ojiefoh, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Benin City, noted that staff of the company had been resident in the State since October 2023, and are advancing on exploration activities

We have allocated land for the company to build a lithium processing plant and it will soon commence production of lithium batteries in the State,” he said.

He added that not less than three multinational companies are constructing processing plants in the State, which is an indication that the state’s solid mineral market is attaining maturity.

The commissioner noted that a number of States have come to study the Edo model and the State has been sharing its master plan to these states so as to expand the sector for greater competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed appreciation to the Otaru of Auchi, Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, for his support, prayers and valuable advice, which has helped the governor in the discharge of his duties in the last seven and half years.

Obaseki said this at the palace of the traditional ruler when he led other government functionaries to break the Ramadan fast with the Otaru and some other traditional leaders from Edo North Senatorial District of the State

The governor said it is not coincidental for Ramadan, Lent, Easter and Sallah to occur in the same period, noting that it is remarkable as God doesn’t make mistakes.

“It has become our tradition to come and break the fast with you during the annual Ramadan fast. We have done this since I became governor in 2017. Thank God Almighty for giving us good health and a long life to be here again. We have come to felicitate and pray with you during this year’s Ramadan again

We have done every year except during COVID-19. This is particularly significant for me as this is the last time that I will be coming here to break the Ramadan fast with you as a governor.

“This is significant because we are celebrating Ramadan and Lent seasons at the same time. Coincidentally, we would celebrate Easter and Sallah at the same time. It is remarkable as God doesn’t make mistakes.

“ There must be a reason for this. The God we serve will continue to have mercy upon us and protect us in these difficult times. We pray that he hears our prayers as a people and a country,” he said.

On the Otaru’s support for good governance, the governor said: “We can’t appreciate you enough for the support you have shown us in government in the last 8 years. The stability we have enjoyed and the frank advice you give us every time has been valuable.”

The Otaru thanked the governor and his entourage for coming to celebrate with him, noting that the governor has been sincere with his intentions