Introduction
Recently, the Federal Government of Nigeria included in her 2018 Appropriation Bill, a budget for Bitumen mining which was passed into a law by the National Assembly and the mining companies are today rolling their tanks and drums to location for onward mining exercise. It is understandably why this piece of news or milestone was greeted with joy. Nigeria, as it stands, is the second largest deposit of Tar Sand, another name for Bitumen the world over. This mineral deposit is largely found in Ondo State, particularly at Ode-Irele, Irele Local Government of the State. However, and to the consternation of many, this country has, from the days of her beginning until now, been importing bitumen to tarmac all her major and minor Highways. It is to this effect that the 2018 budget particularly as it involves this milestone of bitumen mining resonances as a reprieve and a welcome development. It is, as my people will say, “what one is looking for in Sokoto (in foreign land) is right inside his ‘sokoto’, i.e. within one’s trousers. The implication is that now that there is this political will; government will wonder no more in foreign lands in want of what is available, plentifully, in its domain. This and many other incidental advantages, inherent in this stride will have multiplier effect to every facet of life, the great people of this country and the world over.

Conversely, before ‘The Game is Began’ as the Americans will say, the good people of my State and constituency have called my attention, and put this ‘ashes of wisdom’ in my pocket in all concern’s best interest. So, I stand here, my friends and colleagues to say that “a man who has once been bitten by a snake when he sees a worm or even a millipede will run away”. Again, that it will be wise for all concern to take note and time in understanding that apart from the bounteous advantageous and opportunities characteristic in this development, there underlie some other familiarities when it comes to oil related mining in this country. These familiarities are mind boggling, detrimental and degradation with aftermaths comparative to the Niger-Delta experience a good example is the Ogoni-Land Experiences (OLS). The clarion call as it behoves us in this era, to say the least, my friends, will be extolling foolishness to teach us by direct experience for the sole reason that experience is the best teacher. Indeed, it is comprehensible; for wisdom has revealed that the Wiseman learns from the experiences of others in order to avoid agonising in similar realities. In all seriousness: when purposes are not adequately defined, abuses are always inevitable.
The point being made is that in as much as passing the budget that includes bitumen mining is a welcome development in Ode-Irele, because it will leave us with many advantages, in particular economic, employment opportunities, development and many more, it should not be lost on us to be blind sighted of the many elemental and ancillary challenges as well. Against this background is that fact that bitumen mining will be in the exchange of our lands upon which are economic trees, farmlands, freshwater, streams, fountains and faunas have sustained life from time in memory. There is no doubt that new relationship will incidentally come to fore between the companies and the host communities and the three tiers of government beginning from the Federal, State and unto the Local Government Council.

Consequently, I stand bold to say that there is therefore the need for the development of a harmonious working and walking relationship throughout the existence of this new initiative. It is my anticipation that such a template is for peaceful relationship and should regulate all concerns and if for any reason, because of the fallibility of man conflicts arise, it will guide us toward peaceful and amicable resolution be provided for, today. This will act as means of taming the tide either now or in the near future. It is my further believe, which is very vital that all arrangements contemplated should be a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and an Act or Law be made to guide and serves as custodian to all concern.
Hence, the forthcoming relationship both with the environment, companies, the host communities, and the governments of all tiers and the good people of Irele Local Government Area, will be one build on good relationship.

Proposals
To achieve these goals the following suggestions are not only primarily important but timeously also, viz:

1. A Bill for Act establishing Bitumen Research Institute at Ode-Irele
2. A Bill for establishment of college of Bitumen Studies at Ode-Irele either as a Monotechnic or affiliated to the Federal Universsity of Technology, Akure (or in the Alternative, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa).
3. Consummate Legal guidelines for Bitumen Mining and exploration in Ondo State with emphasis on:
   a. The opportunities, advantages, cause and effect
   b. The economic and environmental impact assessment
   c. The relationship between the
   i. The Mining companies
   ii. The government
   iii. The host-communities
4. Other Legal guidelines checkmating the land use and preservation of natural areas and companies’ activities toward sustainable development.

Conclusion
In all, it will be a disservice should we not recollect the environmental problems and challenges that would arose, what then shall be left for the future and unborn generations? Global warming is also a ravaging trend causing loss of biological diversity and endangered species.
Accordingly, it has been advised that “the environmental problems confronting Africa have been a source of concern to the policy makers, environmentalists and the academia”. Some of which are partisan, monetary, shared and practical creating in the region insecurity from ferocious conflicts, human misery finished by deaths, ruination of households, underdevelopment and insufficiency.
It behoves us all through legal and institutional responses and from the proposals suggested above to rise up and make this continent and even this nation a better place. Even though it is the turn of Ode-Irele, may we never forget that ‘One Good Turn Always Deserves Another’.
Thank You
Copyright © 2018
Agbor Akamba Esq
Legal Opinion.