By Fatima Saka
Beyond the press releases, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has launched an ambitious media production titled Hidden Riches, a television series aimed at showcasing the vast untapped potential of Nigeria’s solid mineral sector.
The program produced in collaboration with Tech7 Media Productions, will air weekly on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) every Saturday from 8:05 to 8:30 PM.
At the preview screening in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, expressed excitement about the initiative. She emphasized that Hidden Riches is not just a television series but a strategic platform to educate Nigerians and the global community about the wealth of opportunities buried beneath Nigeria’s soil.
“This initiative is more than just a documentary, it is a call to action,” Dr. Ogbe stated. “The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is committed to fostering innovation, raising awareness, and building capacity within the sector. Our collaboration with Tech7 Media Productions is part of a broader strategy to engage stakeholders, inspire young Nigerians, and attract both domestic and international investors to this critical sector.”
She highlighted the government’s commitment to economic diversification, with solid minerals playing a key role.
“This production could not have come at a better time. Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the federal government has prioritized economic diversification, and the solid minerals sector remains a vital pillar of this agenda.”
Dr. Ogbe further noted that Hidden Riches aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2020–2022), as well as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) initiatives. She expressed hope that the series would ignite meaningful conversations, attract investors, and drive policy reforms.
“I want to sincerely appreciate Tech7 Media Productions for bringing this vision to life. Thank you, Mr. President, for your unwavering support. I also extend my gratitude to my dynamic and innovative leader, Dr. Oladele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, for his dedication to ensuring this sector contributes significantly to our national economy.”
She further urged viewers to reflect on the opportunities within Nigeria’s solid mineral sector and the collective responsibility to ensure its sustainable development for future generations.
Stakeholder Perspectives on Local Impact and Investment
During a panel discussion, Patrick Odiegwu of Pollyguard Investment Nigeria Ltd stressed the importance of ensuring that local communities benefit from the resources extracted in their regions.
“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,” Odiegwu said.
He emphasized the need for financial institutions to better understand the mining sector, as access to funding remains a major challenge for local players.
“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.”
The Role of Drama in Communicating Sectoral Growth
Bem Pelver, producer of Hidden Riches, explained that the series is designed to educate both local and international audiences while attracting investors to the sector.
“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,” Pelver stated.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has been largely overlooked compared to other industries, and Hidden Riches aims to change that narrative.
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“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.”
Strategic Media Engagement for Public Awareness
Kehinde Bamigbetan, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasized the importance of using various communication tools to educate Nigerians about developments in the industry.
“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,” Bamigbetan explained.
He stressed the 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.”
Distinct News reports that the ministry is taking an innovative approach to public engagement. By using entertainment as an educational tool, the series aims to shift public perception, encourage investment, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
