The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that it has not prohibited students under 18 from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, made the clarification in Abuja on Friday while fielding questions from journalists at an event to mark the 2024 International Literacy Day, ILD.

Recall that Education Minister Tahir Mamman had on August 25th said the Federal Government instructed the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, and the National Examinations Council, NECO, not to allow underage children to write their examinations.

But Sununu said that the public misconception and misinterpretation of what was said by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, was highly disappointing.

He said that the minister was actually speaking on the 18 years entry age into the tertiary institutions as was practiced in the 6:3:3:4 system of education.

“We have agreed that we are going to consider it as a work-in-progress. The National Assembly is working and we are also working.

“It was shocking to say that a university in this country gave admission to children at ages 10, 11 and 12 years. This is totally wrong.

“We are not saying that there are no exceptions, we know we can have talented students that have the IQ of an adult even at age 6 and 7, but these are very few.

“There must be a rule, and the ministry is looking at developing a guideline on how to identify a talented child, so that parents don’t say we are blocking their children’s chances.

“Nobody said no child will write WAEC, NECO or any other examination unless at age 18. This is a misconception and misrepresentation of what we have said,” NAN quoted him as saying.

As hardship in Nigeria has increased since President Bola Tinubu took office, Senior Pastor Adewale Giwa of Awaiting The Second Coming of Christ Ministry has cautioned Nigerians that Tinubu is not the Messiah they are hoping for.

Since Tinubu assumed office, Nigerians have been lamenting over the rate of hunger and increased prices of items due to policies of his administration.

The current economic downturn in Nigeria has been traced to Tinubu’s announcement to end the fuel subsidy regime.

Speaking during his inaugural speech in Abuja on May 29, 2023, Tinubu had said fuel subsidy regime was “gone”.

Lamenting over the current situation, Pastor Giwa, in a statement, said: “Tinubu is not the Messiah Nigerians are expecting, he is not the one God wants to use in solving the crisis of Nigerians.

“Nigerians should not rejoice over Tinubu’s presidency because there will be no way out, the solution to insecurity and economy is not with Tinubu.

“Under Tinubu, everything will be destroyed and Nigeria will disintegrate if Tinubu is sworn in after Buhari’s tenure. This is why Tinubu should return the certificate of return back to INEC.”

The clergyman likened Tinubu to the Bibilical Abimeleck who was the “son of Gideon in the book of Judges 9 who forced himself to become the King of Shechem after killing 70 of his brothers, yet there was no peace within three years of his reign”.

He added: “I’m certain that Tinubu is not the Messiah that will lead us to the Canaan land, no good thing will come out of his administration, he has no plans to return Nigerians to God.”

A Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered the detention of Ganiyu Oyedepo, popularly known as Koko Zaria and a prominent member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), for allegedly assaulting Nollywood actor Alhaji Ade Adele, also known as Baba Lawori.

Oyedepo was arraigned on charges of conspiracy, assault occasioning harm, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.

The incident occurred on June 5, 2024, at Idimu, Lagos, where Oyedepo and his associates allegedly attacked Adele, injuring him with a bottle.

Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate B. Sonuga remanded Oyedepo in custody after he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Morufu Animashaun, from the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID), informed the court that the defendant’s actions violated sections 411, 173, and 168 of the Lagos State Criminal Law.

The charges read, “That you Ganiyu Oyedepo on or about the June 25, 2024 at Idimu, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District, Lagos conspired to commit Felony wit: Assault Occasioning Harm and committed an Offence contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State

“That you Oyedepo on the said date unlawfully procured one of your boys (now at large) who unlawfully broke bottle and inflicted injuries on the head of one Alhaji Ade Adele and committed an Offence contrary to Section 173 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015.

“That you Oyedepo conducted yourself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace when you threatened and procured one of your boys (now at large) to break bottle on the head of Adele and committed an Offence contrary to Section 168 (l)(d) of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015 and punishable under Section 168 (2) of thé same Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos state 2015.”

However, Oyedepo denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His legal team, led by S. Bello and S. O. Ajetomobi, applied for bail, arguing that the charges against their client were bailable.

They urged the court to grant bail on the most lenient terms possible.

After considering the submissions, Chief Magistrate Sonuga granted Oyedepo bail set at N2 million, with two sureties in like sums.

The sureties, as stipulated by the Chief Magistrate, must have good character, provide proof of employment, and reside within the court's jurisdiction.

Additionally, the sureties were required to present evidence of three years' tax payments and have their addresses verified.

Chief Magistrate Sonuga adjourned the case to October 29 for mention and ordered Oyedepo's remand in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) until the bail conditions were met.

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah, has urged the leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to come up with a way to reduce the current pump price of fuel.

Recall that there has been an increment in the pump price of petrol to ₦855, ₦918 or higher depending on locations.

Reacting to the development, Kukah lamented that Nigerians are hungry and urged those in power to find a way to combat the situation.

He spoke on Friday in Abuja during the official unveiling of The Progressive Institute (TPI).

He said, “We Nigerians are hungry. Find a way of reducing the price of fuel.

“Unless democracy is anchored on sound foundation, we will be building on sand. I am concerned about the quality of democracy in Nigeria. We need to fix the problem with democracy in Nigeria.”

APC leaders at the event, which is ongoing at the Abuja Continental Hotel, are the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio represented by the deputy Senate president, Senator Barau I. Jibrin; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Others are the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma; Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; ministers; APC state Chairmen; and many others.

Onyinyechi Mark from Nigeria has set a new Paralympic record in the women’s 61kg powerlifting division.

Mark lifted an impressive 150kg to make this extraordinary achievement, surpassing the former record established by fellow Nigerian athlete, Lucy Ejike.

Mark’s outstanding performance guaranteed Nigeria its third medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

She overcame the challenge from China’s Cui Jianjin, who won silver after lifting 140 kilograms.

Mexico’s Amelia Perez won bronze, falling 10 kilogrammes behind her Chinese rival after pulsating lift attempts.

Onyinyechi-Mark

Nigeria has a rich legacy in the Paralympics, particularly in powerlifting and athletics. During the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the nation earned a total of ten medals, including four golds.

The Nigerian team has consistently demonstrated its prowess in powerlifting, with athletes such as Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo achieving world records and securing numerous gold medals.

The ongoing success of Nigeria at the Paralympics underscores the country’s commitment to nurturing and advancing its para-athletes.

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has disclosed that it is set to take action against Point of Sales (PoS) businesses that have failed to register their businesses following the passing of the September 5 deadline earlier announced.

The CAC alleged that POS businesses that have failed to register may be involved in illegal activities.

The Commission added that it is working with law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to deploy sanctions such as possible shutdown and other severe legal consequences against POS operators who have not complied with the registration directive.

The Commission stated this in a public notice released on Friday, 6th September.

The public notice reads: “The Corporate Affairs Commission wishes to remind the general public particularly Fintech operators also known as Point of Sale (POS) operators, that the 60-day deadline given in daily newspaper publications of July 7 2024, for the registration of such businesses expired on September 5, 2024.

“The Commission notes inadequate compliance with the directive for formalization when viewed from the background of the large number of POS operators in the country. Those who have taken steps to formalize in line with the Commission’s directive are commended for their positive attitudes.

“Recalcitrant operators have refused to adhere to the advice for formalization due possibly, to engagements in unwholesome activities or for some reasons best known to them.

“We are to make it clear that the Commission is working with Law Enforcement Agencies and other relevant stakeholders to deploy comprehensive enforcement and sanction framework that may include not only possible shutdown but other severe legal Consequences.”

Meanwhile, the affected fintech business owners under the aegis of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN) have challenged the CAC’s registration directive in court even as they insist the mandatory registration was illegal.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable achievement of scoring 900 career goals has garnered recognition from Guinness World Records, which celebrated his feat by joining the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate on social media, responding with a GOAT emoji.

This subtle gesture further cemented Ronaldo’s legendary status in the world of football.

Ronaldo’s milestone reinforces his dominance in both international and club football, placing him ahead of his long-time rival Lionel Messi and other prominent players.

In a post on X.com on Thursday, Guinness World Records quoted a BBC Sports tweet that hailed Ronaldo’s record-breaking accomplishment, saying, “900 career goals for Cristiano Ronaldo. Incredible. #BBCFootball.”

Ronaldo reached his 900th career goal during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Croatia.

The historic goal came in the 34th minute when Ronaldo volleyed a cross from Nuno Mendes, securing Portugal’s 2-1 victory.

This achievement not only contributed to Portugal’s success but also marked a significant personal milestone for Ronaldo, who now stands as one of the top goal-scorers in football history.

Speaking after the match against Croatia, Cristiano Ronaldo said (via Fabrizio Romano): “900 goals seems like any other milestone, but only I know how hard it is to work every day to score your 900th goal.

“It’s a unique milestone in my career. I don’t break records…they haunt me!”

Lionel Messi is the only player closely trailing Ronaldo, with a current tally of 838 goals for both club and country.

Award-winning American singer, songwriter and actress, has admitted that she thought she was going to be single “forever” because of fame.

The 38-year-old, who recently announced her engagement to her boyfriend, Michael Polansky, said she’s relieved that she isn’t single anymore.

“I kind of thought I was going to have to do this all by myself—forever. And that was really scary. Because it’s a big life. And I don’t think anyone really knows what it feels like unless you’re in it. And I don’t have to do this alone anymore,” she stated in an interview with Vogue.

The House of Gucci star described her fiancé as a “totally supportive, loving human being” who wanted to know her beyond being a celebrity.

“I’d been so focused on my career since I was a teenager. And the gift of that time was that I got to completely focus on my relationship. I met this totally supportive, loving human being who wanted to get to know me—outside of Lady Gaga,” she said.

Lady Gaga revealed that it was her mom who introduced her to her fiancé, Michael Polansky.

Sheikh Bashar Danfili, a prominent cleric in Sokoto State, has appealed for financial assistance from the public following the kidnapping of six of his relatives by bandits while they were traveling to an undisclosed village in the state.

In a short video posted on social media platforms, the cleric said the victims include a man, his mother, stepmother, two wives and sister.

He said the bandits had demanded huge amount of money which they could not raise,  adding that the deadline was fast approaching.

Danfili said: “The bandits have kidnapped my close relatives. I don’t want to disclose their names.

“They were on their way to a village when they were attacked and kidnapped.

“Their driver was killed on the spot and the bandits fed their dogs with his flesh.

“But the rest are still in captivity, including a husband, his mother, stepmother, two wives and his sister.

“The bandits have demanded a huge amount of money, which runs into millions of Naira. We cannot raise it.

“I am a scholar, I don’t have anything. My job is only to teach people with the books that you can see behind me.

“And they gave us deadline within which the money must be paid or they would kill all of them.

“I know they can do that, looking at what happened recently to a traditional ruler in the state, who was killed by his abductors.

“Therefore, I am pleading for help from the general public so that we can be able to pay the ransom and get them released.”

Professor Pat Utomi, a frontline political economist, has blamed the misery Nigerians are experiencing on the political class.

Utomi the current situation in the country was an indication that the political class has failed Nigerians.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Politic Today, Utomi said called for the return of fuel subsidy regime.

According to Utomi: “The first thing to do is to recognise essential things that Nigerians need fuel for. I will subsidise those things.

“There will be a subsidy. The Americans have subsidy for Agriculture, it is a matter of where you direct it to.

“Nigeria’s political class is responsible for the Nigerian misery. The political class has failed the country.

“Look at the choices we have repeatedly made, look at the kind of National Assembly that we have. The political class needs to come out publicly before the country.

“In South-East Asia, people will come out and do a humiliation from what the public has suffered as a result of the irresponsibility of the political class in Nigeria.”