Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said his heart breaks each time he watches a viral video of Yusuf Aliyu, a teenage artisanal miner, speaking at a mining site in Niger State. The clip surfaced after a tragic incident that claimed the lives of 37 miners in the state.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and the dangers that young miners face daily.
He also announced that he was prepared to offer a scholarship to Yusuf Aliyu, pledging to support the teenager’s education as a way to help him and others in the mining community pursue safer and more sustainable futures.
The deaths of 37 miners have drawn national attention to the hazardous conditions of artisanal mining in Niger State, prompting calls for stronger safety measures and support for affected families.
Yusuf Aliyu’s viral appearance has highlighted the challenges faced by young miners in the region and the urgent need for educational opportunities that can provide alternatives to hazardous work.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>