The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of a mining site in Plateau State after about 37 villagers reportedly died from inhaling toxic gases during artisanal mining activities. The team, according to the statement, includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives. “The team also includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal cooperatives. The area, it was gathered, was an abandoned lead mining site containing mineral deposits prone to emissions of sulphuric oxide gas. The tragedy highlights the growing risks associated with abandoned mining pits across Nigeria, especially in rural communities where economic hardship pushes residents into informal mining without adequate safety awareness.

Adebusola told our correspondent that funds paid by the Ghana Boxing Authority were completely withheld from her and their two children by her late partner’s relatives. “All the money the NBBofC helped me recover from the GBA, Segun’s family took everything,” Adebusola said. You are not married legally, so you are not a wife, you are a baby mama.”Regarding the bus, Anuoluwapo questioned Adebusola’s claim to it. You are not married legally, so you have no say on my brother’s remains. The dispute leaves Olanrewaju’s two children, three-year-old Irenitemi Success and two-year-old Oluwatobiloba, caught in the crossfire between their mother and paternal family.

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has described his upcoming fight against Joe Pyfer at UFC Fight Night 271 in Seattle on March 28 as the biggest of his life, insisting he returns from a year out of the octagon feeling “unstoppable.”Adesanya, who enters the bout on a three-fight losing streak, said the stakes of the Pyfer matchup go beyond the immediate result. This is the biggest fight of his life. It’s the biggest fight of my life in another way — not like it is for him, but as it is for me. I’ve been sitting at the top, still at the top, doing more than a lot of guys who are even champions,” he said. “Everything I’ve done in this game has been for this moment in my life now.

If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. That's why we were delighted to learn that the famous Ora-Mama plushie is available online from Ikea, and for just $19.99. Mashable Trend Report Decode what’s viral, what’s next, and what it all means. Sign up for Mashable’s weekly Trend Report newsletter. Punch’s best friend, the "DJUNGELSKOG" soft toy designed by Ann-Cathrine Sigrid Ståhlberg from IKEA, is still in stock.

The team, according to the statement, includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives. “The team also includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal cooperatives. The area, it was gathered, was an abandoned lead mining site containing mineral deposits prone to emissions of sulphuric oxide gas. The tragedy highlights the growing risks associated with abandoned mining pits across Nigeria, especially in rural communities where economic hardship pushes residents into informal mining without adequate safety awareness. Nigeria’s mining industry has witnessed renewed government attention under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which has intensified efforts to formalise artisanal mining, enforce environmental compliance and attract foreign investment.

President Bola Tinubu signing the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday. Photo: X/@DOlusegunPresident Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, just days after the Independent National Electoral Commission released the timetable for the 2027 general elections. The signing took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, around 5:00 pm on Wednesday, with principal officers of the National Assembly in attendance. The National Assembly had passed the bill on Tuesday. The 2027 general elections are scheduled to hold on February 20 for Presidential and National Assembly elections and March 6 for Governorship & State Houses of Assembly Elections.

What followed was my first personal encounter with human-made trauma through state violence. I had previously encountered human-made trauma more conceptually – as a 21-year-old college student during a course simply called Trauma. This is a human-made trauma – one we are all responsible for. I often wonder: what would it mean to suffering children if they knew they were cared for by so many people all over the world? I believe that this kind of care can help children suffering, even thousands of miles away.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has confirmed that the sexual assault case involving TikTok user Mirabel (@mirab351), who claimed she was raped in her apartment by a stranger, has been referred to authorities in Ogun State. The case had sparked widespread concern online, trending under the hashtag #StopRapingWomen on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands calling for urgent action against sexual assault and greater protection for survivors. The alleged assault reportedly occurred on Sunday, February 15, with the survivor posting about the incident on Monday. The DSVA clarified that the incident took place in Ogun State, outside its jurisdiction. “We have since confirmed that the incident occurred in Ogun State and is therefore outside the jurisdiction of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has approved 50 Christians from the state to embark on holy pilgrimage, ending an 11-year suspension of the programme. The Christian pilgrimage scheme was halted during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, when the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency was scrapped—a move that generated controversy within sections of the Christian community. “We are grateful to Governor Uba Sani for approving 50 Christians to commence pilgrimage after 11 years. They will pray for peace, unity and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large,” he stated. He expressed hope that the resumption of the pilgrimage programme would foster greater harmony and spiritual renewal across Kaduna State.

Productivity gains would create an age of abundance. Productivity gains are great, but the too-little-discussed question is how they will be distributed. If AI does deliver big productivity gains, how can average working people get a share of those gains? Will average working people gain the political muscle to demand a share of AI’s productivity gains? The real question is whether AI’s productivity gains, if it delivers, are shared with workers.

In the past five years house prices have risen by nearly 50%, from what was already a record high. In 14 years I have moved house nine times, only once by my own choosing. Where wealth isn’t concentrated in a housing market that must therefore always continue to rise; and dignity in retirement isn’t based on having to own your house outright. My parents built their house on the suburban fringe of Sydney shortly after the birth of their first child, my brother. This is why our dark joke works: it has the smallest grain of truth within it, deep within its horror.

The Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has predicted a significant strengthening of the naira, saying the currency could reach N1,100 to a dollar this year. While the naira currently trades around ₦1,300 to a dollar, Dangote said government reforms signal better days ahead. “The only thing is for, maybe, the government to stop the naira from getting stronger so that they will keep collecting more naira. “But it’s a catch-22 situation where, now, if the naira gets stronger, it means that everything will go down. “I am optimistic that the naira will strengthen meaningfully, and trading below ₦1,000/$1 before year-end is increasingly within reach,” Otedola had said.

Millions of Muslims and Christians around the world are beginning observances of Ramadan and Lent today, marking periods of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion in their respective faiths. With the Hilal confirmed, the holy month of Ramadan begins on Wednesday, with Taraweeh prayers held after the Isha prayer on Tuesday night. A post by @Muslim on X read, “BREAKING: Saudi Arabia announces the first day of fasting for Ramadan to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Oman, Singapore and Turkey have also officially announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the first day of Ramadan 2026. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on Tuesday evening, declared Wednesday 18th of February 2026, the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The Christian Association of Nigeria has called for inclusive governance, effective policy implementation and national unity as Christians in Nigeria and across the world observe Ash Wednesday. According to the statement, “Nigeria is passing through a challenging period. “CAN urges leaders at all levels to move beyond drafting policies and focus on implementing them effectively,” the statement said. Stressing that cooperation among religious communities and responsible civic conduct remain essential for peace and national stability. “As we mark this Ash Wednesday, may it renew our collective commitment to justice, compassion, and responsible citizenship,” the statement added.

The company has already revealed the design of the updated Punch EV in its entirety along with a few other important details. Let us look at what we know so far about the upcoming Tata Punch EV facelift. Tata Punch EV Facelift: ExteriorThe exterior of the 2026 Tata Punch.ev will be heavily updated. Tata Punch EV Facelift: Interiors & FeaturesWe still don’t have visual confirmation but the Punch EV is expected to share the same interior layout and features as its combustion-fueled sibling which recently got facelifted last month. Also READ: Exclusive: Tata Punch EV Facelift Spotted Testing In New Colours You've Never Seen BeforeTata Punch EV Facelift: Battery & MotorThe outgoing Tata Punch EV is available with two battery pack options — 25 kWh and 35 kWh – that claim ARAI-rated range of 265 km and 365 km, respectively.