Safety In Mining: SMDF Concludes Staff Training With Red Cross

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The second phase of the training of some personnel from different offices and locations across the country on mining site emergency management by the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) in conjunction with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has ended in Abuja.

In her closing remarks at the end of the weeklong training on Friday, the Executive Secretary, ES, and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, SMDF, Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi, who was represented by the Head, Minerals and Project Development Department, SMDF, Dr Martina Ananaba, congratulated the trained members of staff, tasking them on training others subsequently to ensure that every staff working at a mining site is equipped with basic skills to manage crises.

She said, “Over the past few days, we have covered essential topics like first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and emergency preparedness. Now, those who benefited from this training have the responsibility to become trainers, ensuring that everyone is prepared for emergencies.

“This knowledge transfer is crucial, as quick action in the field can mean the difference between life and death. Hence, we must ensure that every worker at our mining sites is equipped with basic skills to manage crises.

“By doing so, we not only protect lives but also strengthen SMDF’s commitment to safety, preparedness, and the well-being of those in high-risk environments.”

She acknowledged the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that emphasise safety and preparedness, and the continued support of the Minister of Solid Minister, Dr Dele Alake, which, according to her, has paved way for health and safety in the field to be prioritised.

Stressing the need for the trained to put into practice all what they had learnt, Hajiya Shinkafi said, “As we move forward, I urge each of you to take what you have learned and apply it, both on and off the field.

“The need for first aid, CPR, and emergency preparedness is not just theoretical—it is a practical necessity for those working in high-risk environments, like artisanal and small-scale mining.”

With a vote of special thanks to the Nigerian Red Cross Society, for deploying their expertise in the partnership, she affirmed, “You have provided us with the tools to be better prepared for emergencies, and for that, we are truly grateful.”

Speaking, the Head Trainer, Nigerian Red Cross Society, who is the Lead Instructor at the First Aider course training, Mr Audu Goji, said, “Honestly, I am very impressed with what I am seeing here now after the five-day rigorous training.

“I am confident that if any incident occurs anywhere, be it within the office or in the field, these people are capable of handling it effectively.”

He appreciated the Shinkafi-led management for seeing the training as a necessity for the staff to be trained, particularly, at a time when, according to him, the importance and knowledge of first aid in society cannot be overemphasised.

He said the training in first aid is part of the federal government’s policy which the Ministry of Labour has made mandatory for all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and SMDF happened to be one of the first to key into it.

Nwachukwu Praise, one of the participants confessed that the training really impacted her positively, noting that she came in uninformed and going back well informed on how to manage emergency with first aid.

“Before now if I met someone that had an accident, I wouldn’t know what to do, but now I have the basic first aid knowledge that can enable me save life,” she said.

She however advocated a situation whereby they would be provided with the working kits for the most effective practice.

Another participant, Modupeola Aponjolosun, said, “The training was really worthwhile; it has added value to me. First, this is the first time I am coming across a Red Cross training, and I am happy that with the knowledge of first aid measures that I have now, I can save life in times of emergency at mining sites or elsewhere.”

In the same vein, Opaluwa Ojonoka, also a participant, said she was happy that she had not only learnt the safety tips theoretically but also practically in the course of the training, and can proudly use it to help casualties, and even herself, during emergencies.

She expressed gratitude to the SMDF management and the facilitator, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, for opportunity, urging sustenance of the programme.

The climax was the presentation of NRCS certificate to the participants by the the Head, Minerals and Project Development Department, SMDF, Dr Martina Ananaba, on behalf of the ES, Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi.