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Senate vows to end illegal mining in Nigeria
By Francesca Hangeior
As part of its commitment to establish a safer and more profitable mining sector, the Nigerian Senate has vowed to eliminate illegal mining activities that have been depriving the federal government of significant revenue and contributing to food and physical insecurity across the country.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong led a delegation to Niger State to investigate the recent collapse of a mining pit that claimed around 30 lives over the weekend.
During the visit, Ekong emphasized that illegal and unregulated mining operations are major obstacles to realizing the multi-billion-dollar potential of Nigeria’s minerals sector, with unauthorized miners using unsafe and environmentally harmful practices.
“The illegal mining practices, using crude methods and little regard for safety, continue to undermine our mining sector’s potential and threaten environmental and public health,” Ekong stated. “The Senate remains committed to creating legislative solutions to support the growth and safety of Nigeria’s mining industry.”
In response to the committee’s visit, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State expressed the state’s readiness to work with the National Assembly to enact laws that would reform the mining sector, benefiting all stakeholders—including the federal and state governments, local communities, and miners.
Bago described “Responsible Mining” as a new initiative, inspired by models seen in Brazil, that would require companies to provide community support, such as potable water, healthcare, and education, to offset the impacts of mining.
Ekong used the occasion to convey condolences to the people of Niger State for the tragic June 3, 2024, mining site collapse in Shiroro, which caused significant fatalities and displaced many families. Ekong praised the Niger State Government and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals for their swift response to the disaster and urged for further assistance to the affected families.
“Mining incidents like the one in Shiroro are far too common, and the sector loses substantial revenue daily due to unauthorized, black-market-style mining that has also fueled insecurity,” Ekong said. “We must collaborate to address these challenges and protect our national resources.”
He highlighted the economic potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, noting that curbing illegal mining could generate substantial revenue, diversify the economy, and boost Nigeria’s GDP.
Governor Bago assured the Senate of Niger State’s commitment to advancing responsible mining practices. “Artisanal mining has led to loss of lives and property and has fueled insecurity. With a responsible mining bill, we can ensure mining activities are sustainable and beneficial for communities,” he said.
The Senate delegation included Senators Diket Plang, Amos Yohanna, Professor Anthony Ani, Okechukwu Ezea, and Sani Musa, who initially brought the Shiroro tragedy to the Senate’s attention. The committee intends to continue working closely with local and federal stakeholders to create a safe, sustainable mining industry that benefits the Nigerian economy and protects the lives of all involved.
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See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London
The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.
Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.
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“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”
Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.
Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.
Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”
“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.
“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.
Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
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The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.
Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.
Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.
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Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.
According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.
On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.
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