The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has unveiled a 13-episode movie entitled ‘Hidden Riches’ to inspire Nigerians and draw investments to the potential opportunities inherent in the solid minerals sector.
The premiere of the movie was played on Saturday 18th of January, 2025 at the Silverbird Cinema, Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja.
The series of the movie produced by Take 7 Media Production will be aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) every Saturday beginning from 25th January, 2025 between 8.05pm and 8.30pm.
The Ministry, through the first season of the movie containing 13-episodes, aims to engage the public by using entertainment as an educational tool to shift public perception and attract investments towards tapping the full potentials of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Speaking at the movie premiere, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary A. Ogbe, explained that the “Hidden Riches” is not just a television series but a strategic platform to educate Nigerians and the global community about the wealth of opportunities beneath Nigeria’s soil.
She said “The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is committed to fostering innovation, creating awareness and building capacity being the sector to realise its full potential as a major driver of economic growth and diversification.
“Our partnership with Take 7 Media Production to produce this story is part of our broader strategy to engage stakeholders, inspire young Nigerians and attract both domestic and international investors to this critical sector.
“This production could not have come at a better time like this. The Federal Government under the leadership of our President, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has prioritised the diversification of our economy, and the Solid Minerals sector remains a key pillar to this agenda.”
According to her, the “Hidden Riches” movie aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025, which emphasizes innovation and inclusiveness in advancing public service delivery.
“We hope that this film will spark meaningful conversations, ignite interest in the solid minerals sector and inspire actions among policy makers, investors and the wider part of the public.” she stated
She thanked the producer, Take 7 Media Production, for their professionalism, creativity and dedication to the project.
“Your efforts have brought to light an important narrative that has the power to transform perceptions and open new frontiers for development in Nigeria.” the Permanent Secretary noted.
Dr. Ogbe went on “I also thank my dynamic and innovative leader, Dr. Oladele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development for his unwavering support and leadership drive in ensuring the sector contributes significantly to the economic growth of our nation.
“To our distinguished guests, your presence underscored your shared commitment to the growth of our nation and your believe in the role of the solid minerals sector in shaping our future.
“As we watch this production, I encourage you to reflect on the wealth, opportunities that lie within Nigeria’s minerals sector and the responsibility we all share in ensuring sustainable development for the benefits of generations to come.” she stated.
At the end of the movie premiere, the Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, moderated a 5-Panel discussion on the movie, noting that the movie entertainment will market the sector on a wider scale apart from press releases and different activities of the media office.
The panelists included a Special Adviser to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Hon Kehinde Bamigbetan, representative of stakeholders in the solid minerals business, African Industries Group Ltd, Mr. Patah Gosh, representative of Pollyguard Investment Nigeria Ltd, Patrick Odiegwu, the movie Executive Producer, Bem Pever, and Tunde Aremu speaking on media role in the sector
Asked to speak on the key message he expects the audience to take away from the movie, the movie producer, Bem Pever said “Drama is an effective medium for communication. While the government has used various methods to inform the public about the potential of the solid minerals sector, we believed storytelling through drama could be even more impactful.
Stressing that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has been largely overlooked compared to other sectors, he declared that “Hidden Riches” aims to change the narrative.
“We created relatable characters and situations to help audiences connect with the realities of the sector. This way, they can engage with the message on a deeper level.” Bem Pever stated.
Answering question on the policies and initiatives the Ministry is currently implementing to attract private sector investment to the sector, Special Adviser to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kehinde Bamigbetan, noted that the Minister is a guru in strategic communications.
He said “Our strategy is to blend information, entertainment, and communication. By presenting key policy messages in a dramatic format, we aim to subtly embed awareness in the consciousness of Nigerians,”
According to him, there is a need for content-driven storytelling that informs and engages audiences without feeling like a lecture.
“This project has successfully achieved that balance. Our focus is on value addition, increasing Nigerian participation in the mining industry, and tackling illegal mining.
“One key approach is formalizing artisanal miners by encouraging them to form cooperatives, thereby integrating them into the formal economy.” Bamigbetan said
As the foremost private investor in the solid minerals sector, African Industries Group Ltd, Mr. Patah Gosh, was asked to enlighten Nigerians on what motivated his interest in investing in the Nigeria solid minerals sector and the key assurances he needs to proceed.
Stressing that his company has already invested over $600 million in the mining sector, he said that over 4,000 employment has already been generated.
Noting that Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources, he said that his company is the major player in steel making as it started operation in Nigeria since 1971.
He called for more support from the Solid Minerals Development Ministry as his company aims to expand to other areas in the sector.
Stating that transportation is a great challenge in the sector as the company mainly rely on road transportation, he urged for development of railway and reverine transportation systems.
He also pushed for more actions to discourage illegal mining in the sector.
Assessing the current investment climate in the sector in Nigeria, a representative of Pollyguard Investment Nigeria Ltd, Patrick Odiegwu, said that Nigeria has not really started harnessing its abundant resources as so much is still left untapped.
He noted that the mining sector is a very critical sector in any economy
Odiegwu also harped on the importance of ensuring that local communities and Nigerians benefit maximally from the resources extracted in the country.
He said “The top priority should be the development of the local environments where these minerals are sourced. We must also ensure that Nigeria derives maximum benefit from these resources.
“A foreign investor, no matter how strategic, will always repatriate a significant portion of revenue, so our primary focus should be on strengthening local participation,” he stated.
Stressing that access to funding is a major challenge for local players, he called for more understanding of financial institutions in order to better the situations in the mining sector.
“There is a misconception that mining is highly risky. However, with deep sector knowledge, investors can see the value chain from exploration to production.
“Education and dissemination of information will help make mining more accessible to Nigerian businesses.” he said.
Tunde Aremu spoke on the roles the media is expected to play in the sector.
According to him, the media should carry out social audit of what has been done in the sector and what is still left undone.
The cast and crew of the movie were introduced one after the other to the audience.
Vote of thanks was given by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Broadcast, Lara Owoeye-Wise, who was the initiator of the movie.
The unveiling of the movie premiere was attended by representative of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretaries of Mines and Steel and Agriculture Ministries among other representatives from other Ministries.
It was also attended by directors and staff of the Solid Minerals Development Ministry and other stakeholders in the sector.
Signed
Kania Maliki Andeyaba
Deputy Director
Press and Public Relations Department
