Kogi Govt to Partner SoTLAN as Gov. Ododo Declares COPA ’26 Open

By Emmanuel Oluwakorede, Lokoja

Kogi State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria (SOTLAN) on solid minerals department and other critical sectors of the State economy.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo stated this in a message to the 9th Conference of Public Analysts tagged COPA’26 and Annual General Meeting in Lokoja.

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The Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria (SOTLAN) is an Association of Public Analysts in Nigeria that engage in the testing of Consumer products, food and beverages, chemicals, solid minerals, environmental samples among others.

Members of the Organisation are in Lokoja, capital of the Confluence State for the ninth Conference tagged Conference of Confluence.

The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo while declaring the Conference open, described the theme of the programme, “Environmental Protection, Water Resources Management and Solid Mineral Exploration…The Role of Public Analysts in Sustainable Development” as perfect and suitable.

Governor Ododo said with the thirty four mineral resources in the State, it is pertinent to partner with the body to achieve the vision of his administration especially solid mineral development.

According to him, the the role of Public Analysts cannot overemphasized, saying the State needs their expertise to guide policies on waste management and regulations of mining activities as well as water conservation.

The National President of the Society, Mr. Bolawa Gbolahan said the body is dedicated to advancing excellence in laboratory practice, environmental monitoring and public safety.

Mr. Gbolahan, whose speech was delivered by the first Vice President, Reverend William Effiong, commended the State Government for hosting the Conference and it’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices.

The Secretary to the Government, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade who is the Chairman Local Organising Committee charged the participants to use the platform to balance economic exploration and environmental preservation.