News
Police Shut Down Church In Abuja After Members Engaged In A Free For All Fight
On Sunday, August 18, a dramatic altercation broke out at the United Methodist Church in Durumi, Abuja, causing the service to end abruptly. The conflict, which lasted for hours, resulted in significant damage to the church’s property and required intervention from the FCT command operatives to restore order.
Initial attempts by the police to quell the disturbance were unsuccessful until they resorted to using tear gas. Following the incident, the police locked the church, dismissed the congregation, and took several elders to the station for questioning.
A church member, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed disappointment over the conflict, attributing it to a longstanding rift among the church elders regarding a decision to separate from their headquarters in the United States. The member explained that the headquarters had legalized practices that were not in line with Nigerian culture, leading to a faction within the church.
“Our headquarters is in America, and they have legalized some practices that are not part of our culture. Some elders believe we should break away and rename the church, while others oppose this move. This disagreement has created a division within the church. At one point, there was talk of going to court, but it never happened,” the member said.
The situation escalated during the service when the pastor announced plans to take the matter to court and expressed his desire for the church to remain affiliated with the headquarters. This announcement triggered the violent clash. “I have never witnessed anything like this before. The fight was so intense that the police had to use tear gas to stop it. Some elders were taken to the station for interrogation,” the member added.
Confirming the incident, FCT command police spokesperson Josephine Adeh stated that the Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, has summoned all church elders to his office on Monday, August 19, at 10 am.
Federal Government Refutes Age Restrictions for NECO and WAEC Exams
The Federal Government has dismissed rumors suggesting that age restrictions apply to the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, clarified this in Abuja on Friday, affirming that there are no age limits for taking these exams. He explained that the age restriction applies only to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and university entry, which will start at 18 years beginning in 2025.
Sununu pointed out that the National Policy on Education specifies that children should start primary school at age six, spend six years there, and then proceed to three years each in junior and senior secondary schools, totaling 18 years.
His remarks came during a briefing for the 2024 World Literacy Day, themed “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”
Sununu addressed the confusion, stating, “We have clarified this issue in various forums, but the misinformation persists. Neither the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, nor I have announced any age limit for WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB exams.”
He added, “Some individuals have misinterpreted our comments regarding UTME age restrictions and mistakenly applied them to WAEC and NECO. Our previous statements only pertained to university entry age, as outlined in the National Policy on Education.”
Sununu also highlighted that the policy supports teaching children in their local language or mother tongue until primary three, after which English is introduced. This approach, he noted, facilitates better communication and learning.
President Tinubu Pledges Bold Decisions for Nigeria’s Progress
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to making the tough decisions needed for Nigeria’s progress. He acknowledged the challenge of achieving national consensus on various issues but underscored that such decisions are crucial for the country’s advancement.
Wrapping up his official visit to China, President Tinubu met with the Nigerian community and members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO China) at the China World Hotel. He described the trip as highly successful and beneficial.
During his visit, President Tinubu engaged in discussions with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and participated in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The focus was on boosting collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, the green economy, and mining.
Addressing Nigerians in China, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of representing Nigeria positively and being exemplary citizens. He highlighted the need for discipline and dedication, drawing inspiration from China’s disciplined society.
The President encouraged Nigerians abroad to embrace their diversity, follow local laws, and project a positive image of their country. He stated:
“Nigeria is undergoing significant reforms, and we are making bold and unprecedented decisions. You might have heard recent news about fuel prices at home. But can we avoid these tough choices if we want to improve our infrastructure, like roads, electricity, and water supply? We aim to hand over a better future to our children, and that requires us to make hard decisions now.”
President Tinubu Wraps Up China Visit and Heads to London via Dubai
On Friday, September 6th, President Bola Tinubu concluded his official visit to China and is now en route to London, United Kingdom, with a stopover in Dubai.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the President will travel to the UK via Dubai.
During his visit, President Tinubu assured Nigerians in China that his administration is committed to good governance and aims to replicate China’s successes for the benefit of Nigeria. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel in Beijing.
The meeting marked President Tinubu’s final official engagement in China before his departure for London.
President Tinubu described his visit to China as “very good and successful.”
BREAKING (Paralympics): Onyinyechi Mark Wins Nigeria’s First Gold Medal, Sets World Record
JUST-IN: FG Issues Fresh Clarification On Age Limit For WAEC, NECO Examinations
I’m Ready To Take Hard Decisions For Nigeria To Move Forward – Tinubu
BBNaija: “Konji na bastard” – Kellyrae caught rubbing wife, Kassia’s bum under the duvet
Raheem Sterling’s Future at Chelsea in Question as Transfer Window Nears End
Fekomi Surprises Yhemolee with 10 Cows Worth Over N10 Million Ahead of Wedding
-
Bbnaija2 weeks agoBBNaija: “Konji na bastard” – Kellyrae caught rubbing wife, Kassia’s bum under the duvet
-
Sports3 weeks agoRaheem Sterling’s Future at Chelsea in Question as Transfer Window Nears End
-
Entertainment3 weeks agoFekomi Surprises Yhemolee with 10 Cows Worth Over N10 Million Ahead of Wedding
-
Entertainment News3 weeks agoBobrisky Names Celebrities Who Sent Him Money in Prison: (See Names & Contributions)
-
Bbnaija3 weeks agoBBNaija: Wanni’s Photo Goes Viral After Being Misinterpreted
-
News3 weeks agoFederal Government Announces Increase in Passport Fees for Nigerians
-
Entertainment3 weeks agoNigerian Singer Dammy Krane Arrested for Alleged Defamation of Davido
-
News3 weeks agoBreaking: Former Deputy Speaker Collapses and Passes Away
