Director General of APC Youth West Africa and President and Chief Executive Officer of Sewia Mining and Refinery, Olatunde Igbasan, has pledged N15 million to support student development and welfare initiatives.
The commitment comprises N10 million for the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, and N5 million for its Ghana chapter.
Igbasan made the pledge during a visit by NANS President, Akinteye Afeez, alongside other executives and student leaders, to Sewia Mining and Refinery in Accra, Ghana.
The industry working visit gave the delegation first-hand exposure to gold processing and other activities within the precious-metals sector.
Receiving the students, Igbasan urged young Africans to look beyond conventional career paths and consider opportunities emerging from the continent’s mineral resources.
He said Africa’s natural wealth should not be viewed mainly as raw material for export. According to him, greater attention should be given to responsible mining, traceability, local processing and value addition.
“We are sitting on enormous mineral wealth in Africa,” Igbasan said. He added that processing resources locally and building industries around them could create jobs and generate sustainable revenue for African countries.
Igbasan also identified gold, lithium and other strategic minerals as resources capable of supporting a wider industrial ecosystem when properly developed.
He listed mining, geology, mineral processing, logistics, compliance, technology and precious-metals trading among areas where young people could explore career and business opportunities.
The Sewia chief executive also expressed the company’s willingness to explore practical training and industry-exposure opportunities for young people.
He said greater industry engagement could help students understand the opportunities available within the mining value chain and prepare for emerging roles in the sector.
The NANS delegation subsequently recognised Igbasan’s contribution to student and youth development with an Award of Excellence.
Separately, the Ghana chapter of NANS presented him with a Patron Award for his support for students and commitment to creating opportunities for young people.
