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Senate vows to end illegal mining in Nigeria

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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.

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“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.”

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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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Just in: EndBadGovernance kids freed at last

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The imprisoned kids who joined EndBadGovernance protests have regained their freedom after 95 days in custody.

The kids regained freedom on Tuesday morning after the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja struck out the suit following an application by M.D Abubakar, counsel to the attorney-general of the federation (AGF).

The 76 kids were charged in court by Nigeria Police on Friday, for terrorism, treason and arson for participating in hunger protest.

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Abubakar had applied to take over and discontinue the suit.

The kids freedom is coming barely 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu ordered their immediate release.

In a statement from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, ”committee has been set up to look at the issues surrounding their arrest, detention and release. All the law enforcement agents related to the case will be investigated and anyone found wanting will be brought to book”.

The president also tasked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitating the safe return of the minors to their families.

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Equatorial Guinea S3x Scandal: Lady Reportedly Takes Own Life After Seeing Clips

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In a twist of events related to the ongoing s3x scandal in Equatorial Guinea, one of the women reportedly featured in explicit videos involving high-profile individuals took her own life.

The woman is believed to have been overwhelmed by the spread of the footage, which has gone viral and caused a media uproar in the country.

The scandal erupted after Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, was arrested on charges of misconduct, including allegedly recording over 400 videos involving wives of notable figures in the nation.

The videos, which surfaced amid a broader investigation into fraud, reportedly include intimate encounters with influential individuals, escalating the controversy.

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This latest development has sparked a public outcry, with many calling for stronger measures to protect the privacy and dignity of those affected by the leaked content.

Meanwhile, officials in Equatorial Guinea are reportedly taking steps to control the scandal’s impact as they continue their investigation.

Akelicious reports that Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, was arrested following a shocking revelation of over 400 sextapes reportedly involving the wives of prominent figures in the country.

Engonga, 54, came under investigation for fraud, leading to an unannounced search of his residence and office, where officials discovered numerous CDs containing recordings of his alleged sexual encounters.

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The tapes reportedly feature encounters with high-profile individuals, including relatives and wives of government officials, such as the sister of the President, the wife of the Director General of Police, and spouses of approximately 20 ministers.

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Deportation Rate Of Nigerians From Italy, Germany, UK, Ireland, Others Alarming – Japa Queen

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The rising number of Nigerians deported; From “Japa” to “Japada” by Divine Chukwuemeka: Why are so many Nigerians being deported?

Devine Chukwuemeka, also known as “japa Queen,” a Nigerian-born migration researcher who has volunteered to study people’s movement from one location to another, provides this curated rundown.

According to M.S. Devine, sharing her insights into people’s migration with Oriontimes, “First, I’ll give the contextual meaning of the keywords.”

JAPA; fled Nigeria for a different country in search of better pastures.

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“JAPADA” is the opposite of “japa,” which means to return to Nigeria after escaping.

Deportation is the removal of a person from a country; in essence, you were “japa-ed,” but they pursued you back.

📍The extradition pace of a Nigerians particularly from Italy, Germany, UK, Ireland and Greece has turned into an issue of concern.

For instance, the United Kingdom approximately deported;

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1,105 Nigerians in 2015; 22,800 Nigerians in 2023. As you can see, the numbers have skyrocketed, and some of the reasons for the deportation are as follows:

Lack of documentation; overstaying their visa’s residency period; stricter immigration policies—you entered the country when X was tolerated; now, X is not tolerated, so you must leave; illegal immigration; and most common is criminal activity or a track record—why did you kill the shopkeeper or sell drugs?

The process of being deported does not end there;

Financial difficulties—deportees might have to start over financially; emotional difficulties—family members might be unhappy with them.

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Some deportees pose a threat to societal peace or struggle with instabilities, necessitating their placement in rehabilitation facilities. Reduced Remittances: the country would not benefit from the tax or revenue on the money they send into the country again. Bad name: deportation is not a good thing in its fundamental form, so it muddies the country’s name.

P.S., are you familiar with “Deportation”?

P.S.S., what other factors might cause nation X to expel migrants?

P.S.S.: Do you know anyone deported?

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Please let me know if you gained any knowledge; I value your intellectual contributions.

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