The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said that more than 4,000 abandoned mine pits exist across Plateau State.

Alake said the pits, many of which were dug by former mining companies, posed environmental and safety challenges but could be converted into productive ventures through proper rehabilitation.

He stated this in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, following the death of seven people in a collapsed mine pit at Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

The minister described the incident as tragic and avoidable, warning artisanal miners against entering abandoned pits without the required licences and permits.

He urged miners to organise themselves into cooperatives and obtain necessary approvals to operate legally.

Alake said the large number of abandoned pits in Plateau was a legacy of the activities of the former Amalgamated Tin Mines Limited and its successor companies, Consolidated Tin Mines Limited and Nigerian Tin and Allied Products Limited.

He said the Federal Government had rehabilitated 59 abandoned mine pits, while introducing technology-driven measures to identify and assess thousands of others.

According to him, the ministry has entered into a public-private partnership to deploy Geographic Information System satellite mapping and Artificial Intelligence to locate and characterise the abandoned pits.

He said Plateau would be the pilot beneficiary of the initiative, which would also develop plans for the eventual reclamation of the sites.

Alake urged private investors to partner with the government to convert abandoned mine sites into productive ventures, including energy, tourism and fisheries projects.

He described public-private partnership as the “most proactive and fastest approach” to turning the abandoned pits into productive assets.

“The challenge before the state and the Federal Government is how to turn these potential pits of death into centres of joyful prosperity,” he said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated elder statesman and former military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), on his 85th birthday, saying the ex Military leader has impacted Nigeria in ways no other leader has done.

President Tinubu disclosed this in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

He also described General Babangida as an outstanding leader whose remarkable military career culminated in his leadership of the nation following the 1985 coup.

The President said “Like him or not, former President Babangida impacted Nigeria in ways no other leader has. His eight-year reign left enduring marks on our political, economic, and geographic landscape.

“He expanded the nation’s economy, established lasting infrastructure, and created several agencies and institutions that continue to serve the national interest. But for his foresight, wisdom, and sense of equity and fairness, many states in the federation might not exist today.”

The President noted that General Babangida’s name and legacy would remain indelible in Nigeria’s history because of his many contributions to national development.

“Even in retirement, living a quiet life at his Minna Hilltop residence in Niger State, General Babangida continues to offer valuable counsel and guidance to the nation. His advice and wise counsel remain an inspiration to younger generations”, the President said.

” I wish you continued grace, good health, and renewed strength. May Almighty Allah keep you with us for many more years to come,” the President added.

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu says he is not afraid of losing his job despite mounting pressure following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Madugu’s future has come under intense scrutiny after the Super Falcons suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the decisive CAF play-off in Morocco.

The loss ended Nigeria’s remarkable record of qualifying for every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.

For the first time since 1991, Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup.

The pressure on Madugu intensified after the Super Falcons failed to secure automatic World Cup qualification at the WAFCON.

With calls growing for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to make changes to the technical setup, Madugu insists he is prepared to accept whatever decision the football authorities make.

The coach said representing Nigeria has been a privilege and that he has no fear of being relieved of his position.

“I am not afraid of being sacked. To the glory of God, I have served my country. It was a privilege that was given to me,” Madugu said.

He added, “So far, I have played almost 28 games, won 19, lost four and drawn four. But this defeat came at crucial moments that people did not expect.”