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Plateau Governor Vows to Tackle Security Challenges and Harness Solid Mineral Deposits

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Despite the escalating security challenges plaguing Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor, remains steadfast in his determination to address the issue while simultaneously harnessing the state’s vast solid mineral deposits to stimulate economic growth.

Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed this commitment during a visit to the office of Dr. Mary Ogba, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, located at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja.

The Governor emphasized the collaboration between his administration and the Federal Government to develop the solid minerals sector and revitalize abandoned mining sites scattered throughout the state, transforming them into valuable resources for agriculture, recreation, and tourism.

Governor Mutfwang stressed the adoption of modern mining exploration techniques in alignment with the Federal Government’s guidelines, with the aim of generating revenue that will directly benefit the people of Plateau State.

He also expressed his administration’s intention to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with key stakeholders in the solid minerals sector to unlock the state’s mineral resources for the holistic development of its inhabitants.

Governor Mutfwang specifically mentioned the Nigerian Mining Corporation and its subsidiary, the NESCO (Hydro Electricity Generating Company), highlighting their untapped potential and expressing a desire to engage in discussions under the Public-Private Partnership framework. This collaboration could maximize the benefits derived from these assets for the state’s advancement.

Hon. Danlami Jelka, the Managing Director of Plateau Investments and Property Development Company, hailed the mining sector as a key driver of the state’s economy under the current administration. He affirmed the government’s willingness to cooperate with the Federal Government and the Impact Nigeria Alliance to enhance productivity and create a conducive environment for citizens engaged in the mining sector.

Dr. Okono Vivian, Director of Mines Environmental Compliance, and Salamatu Umar, Deputy Director of Public-Private Partnership, shed light on the pressing issue of abandoned mining sites in Plateau State. They revealed that the state has the highest number of such sites, accounting for over 700 out of the 1,260 abandoned mining sites nationwide. Recognizing the urgency, they stated that Plateau State has been listed as one of the states to have these sites reclaimed this year, according to a study conducted by the Ministry.

Governor Mutfwang’s unwavering commitment to tackling security challenges and leveraging Plateau State’s solid mineral deposits as catalysts for economic growth showcases his dedication to uplifting the state and improving the livelihoods of its people. With strategic collaborations and the adoption of modern mining techniques, the future of Plateau State holds promising prospects for sustainable development and prosperity.

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Enugu 2026 Mascot Unveiled as Olopade Promises Biggest-Ever National Sports Festival

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August 28, 2026

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The official mascot and logo of the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games, Enugu 2026,” have been unveiled in Enugu, with the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, promising that the Games will be the biggest and highest-sponsored edition in the history of the Festival.

The mascot was unveiled on Friday by the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, who represented Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah at the ceremony.

Read Also: Enugu Marathon: Nilayo Targets Jos, Kaduna As National Road Race Expansion Takes Shape

The event marked a major milestone in preparations for the National Sports Festival, scheduled to hold in Enugu from November 27 to December 11, 2026.

Olopade, who is also Chairman of the Main Organising Committee of the Games, said the unveiling of the mascot and logo was an important stage in the build-up to the Festival because it would help generate nationwide awareness, excitement and anticipation.

He said the mascot would become a symbol through which the message and spirit of the Coal City Games would be taken from Enugu to every part of Nigeria.

According to him, the National Sports Festival should belong to all Nigerians and should not be permanently associated with any particular region of the country.

Olopade said after 28 years, it was time to demonstrate that the Festival could move around the country and give different states the opportunity to showcase their sporting facilities, talents and cultural heritage.

He said Enugu 2026 was therefore designed to demonstrate that the National Sports Festival was a truly national event capable of uniting Nigerians through sports.

The NSC Director-General said the hosting of the Games in Enugu was particularly significant to him because the state is his home state.

“For me personally as the DG now, this means the world to me that we have brought back the National Sports Festival to my home state, Enugu State,” he said.

Olopade recalled that before becoming Director-General of the NSC, he was involved in sports management and had participated in efforts to encourage states to bid for the hosting rights of the National Sports Festival.

He said Enugu’s successful bid therefore represented a significant personal and professional milestone for him.

The NSC boss said the Commission was not only focused on delivering a successful Festival but was also determined to ensure that the Games left behind a lasting legacy in sports infrastructure and development.

He disclosed that work was ongoing on several facilities, including the swimming pool and sports halls, as part of preparations for the Games.

Olopade said the Commission was working closely with the Enugu State Government and other stakeholders to ensure that the necessary facilities were completed ahead of the Festival.

“Our ambition is clear: to deliver the most organised, most competitive and most memorable National Sports Festival ever held,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the continued support of the Federal Government, noting that the Festival provided an important platform for showcasing Nigeria’s sporting talents and facilities.

Olopade commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for sports development and praised Governor Peter Mbah for his commitment to the successful hosting of the Games.

He also acknowledged the contributions of members of the Main Organising Committee, the Local Organising Committee, directors and staff of the National Sports Commission, as well as other stakeholders involved in the preparations.

The Director-General particularly expressed appreciation to Premium Trust Bank, the headline sponsor of the Festival, and other corporate partners for their support.

He described the 2026 edition as the biggest and highest-sponsored National Sports Festival ever, saying the growing involvement of the private sector was an indication of increasing confidence in sports as a vehicle for youth development and national transformation.

Olopade said the contribution of Premium Trust Bank and other sponsors would help strengthen the Games and create greater opportunities for Nigerian youths.

He stressed that the success of the Festival would depend on the collective efforts of the Federal Government, the host state, sponsors, organisers and other stakeholders.

The Deputy Governor, Ossai, who represented Governor Mbah, formally unveiled the mascot and logo, further signalling Enugu State’s readiness to host athletes and officials from across the country.

The 23rd National Sports Festival will be historic for Enugu State as it will be the first time the state is hosting the National Sports Festival.

With the unveiling of the mascot and logo, the Coal City Games have entered another critical phase, with organisers expected to intensify preparations around sporting facilities, accommodation, transportation, security and other logistics ahead of the opening.

The Festival is expected to bring together athletes from across Nigeria in a celebration of sports, youth, culture and national unity, while providing a major platform for discovering and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian sporting talents.

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Nigeria Records 65,000 Suspected Cholera Cases, Over 10,000 Diphtheria Cases

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6 hours ago

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August 28, 2026

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Nigeria is facing significant outbreaks of cholera and diphtheria, with more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases recorded across 35 states and about 195 Local Government Areas. More than 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases have also been reported in 2026.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed the figures in Abuja while providing an update on the country’s response to both outbreaks.

The NCDC has intensified disease surveillance and deployed National Rapid Response Teams to affected states, including Borno, which has recorded the highest number of cholera cases. Teams are investigating transmission sources and assessing water, sanitation and chlorination gaps.

To control cholera, authorities are bringing treatment closer to affected communities while expanding oral rehydration points, strengthening treatment centres, improving water chlorination and conducting oral cholera vaccination in high-burden areas.

The response to diphtheria is focused on reactive vaccination, early detection and treatment, particularly in Kano, Borno and Bauchi, where cases remain concentrated. Healthcare workers have also been urged to quickly identify, report and manage suspected cases.

The NCDC stressed that federal intervention alone cannot end the outbreaks. States and Local Governments must strengthen immunisation, improve access to safe water and sanitation, repair critical infrastructure and ensure communities have adequate treatment and rapid-response services.

Although declining cholera cases and improved survival rates are encouraging, the NCDC warned against complacency. Communities are advised to use safe water, practise good hygiene, prepare food safely and seek medical attention early. Anyone with frequent watery diarrhoea should begin oral rehydration immediately and visit a health facility, while parents and caregivers should ensure children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria.

The post Nigeria Records 65,000 Suspected Cholera Cases, Over 10,000 Diphtheria Cases appeared first on Business Today NG.

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