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WASSCE: NASS wades into controversy

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The National Assembly yesterday waded into the controversy generated by the Federal Government’s plan to peg the age limit for students to write the West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate, WASSCE, examination at 18 years.

It will be recalled that the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, announced plans on Sunday by the federal government to set the age limit for the examination to 18 years.

This is even as the government’s decision yesterday elicited more condemnations, as former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and civil society organisations, CSOs, described it as archaic and draconian.

They also asked the government to put it on hold and call a meeting of stakeholders in the education sector to deliberate on the matter.

Reacting to the development yesterday, the Senate said it would subject the issue to public hearing when it comes before senators.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), said: “The Senate will consider, through it’s relevant committee, public views on any government policy brought to our legislative notice.

Whatever is brought to the Senate for constitutional and statutory stamps shall be subjected to legislative crucible which includes public hearings.”

On his part, spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, said the Green Chamber has no position on the matter yet, as members have not been briefed. ‘’I cannot say anything for now.

When the House resumes and the matter is brought before it, it will be looked into,” he said. Source: Vanguard NCC Ends NIN-SIM linkage Sept 14 The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by Sept. 14, 2024.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Mr Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs at NCC, on Wednesday.

The statement said that the directive aimed at ensuring full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy.

It said that the NCC was pleased to announce significant progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs).

According to the statement, to date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to their NINs, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.

“As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance.

“The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy.

“By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.

“This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth,” it said.

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Five Narrowly Escape Death in Lagos Auto Crashes

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Two people were seriously injured while three others escaped unhurt in separate road accidents over the weekend in Lagos State, caused by reckless driving and brake failure in Mile 2 and Surulere, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said.

According to LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, the first crash occurred at Olohunsogo Bus Stop, inward Mile 2, when a speeding Toyota Camry collided with a stationary Scania truck, leaving the driver and a passenger seriously hurt.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the Camry driver’s excessive speeding caused the loss of control, resulting in the crash,” the statement said.

LASTMA responders quickly rescued the victims and took them to Ademola Hospital near Ijanikin Police Station for treatment. The truck driver was detained by LASTMA officials, while police provided security at the scene.

LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki emphasized the importance of obeying traffic rules and maintaining vehicles to prevent such accidents, warning against reckless driving and mechanical failure.

This latest crash comes less than a week after a fatal accident at Ibeju Bus Stop on the Lekki–Epe Expressway, which killed six people, including a child, and injured nine others.

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Egyptian Guest Collapses and Dies at Abuja Hotel

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An Egyptian national, Mohammed Saleh, aged 56, tragically died after collapsing while dining at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel located in Wuse Zone 4, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The incident, which took place on Friday night, has sparked an ongoing police investigation into the cause of his sudden death.

Security expert Zazazola Makama shared details of the incident on social media platform X, revealing that Saleh was dining with three other individuals when he suddenly slumped. The hotel’s security supervisor, Francis Yusuf, promptly reported the case to the Wuse Police Division at approximately 9:24 p.m., prompting immediate medical and law enforcement response.

Saleh was first taken to King’s Care Hospital in Wuse Zone 4 before being referred to the Wuse District Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed his death. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue for a thorough autopsy as authorities seek to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his passing.

The police have opened a formal investigation into the matter, with the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, acknowledging the case but yet to provide detailed updates.

This incident adds to a growing list of cases involving foreign nationals found dead in Nigerian hotels, raising concerns about health emergencies and emergency response protocols in hospitality venues. Earlier this year, an 80-year-old Colombian man, Quesada Alfonso, was found dead in a hotel room in FESTAC Town, Lagos State.

Authorities investigated that case as well, noting the deceased had been residing in the hotel for several months prior to his death.

As the investigation into Mohammed Saleh’s death continues, the hospitality industry and security agencies are reminded of the critical importance of swift emergency response and enhanced safety measures to protect guests and residents alike. The outcome of the autopsy and police findings will shed more light on this unfortunate event.

Residents and visitors to Abuja await further information from law enforcement on this tragic occurrence.

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Lagos Cracks Down on Illegal Street Traders at Mile 2

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Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has reiterated the government’s resolve to restore order on key roads, as enforcement officers cleared illegal street traders at 2nd Rainbow Junction, inward Mile 2.

A video shared by Wahab on X on Monday showed officers removing traders whose activities blocked traffic, endangered pedestrians, and littered the area.

Describing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to keep Lagos roads safe and clean, Wahab said, “Our enforcement team is dislodging illegal street traders causing nuisance at 2nd Rainbow Junction, inward Mile 2. Their actions obstruct traffic, threaten pedestrians, and pollute the environment.”

He affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a sustainable and orderly urban environment, adding, “We will continue to ensure our roads are safe, clean, and free from environmental violations.”

The Lagos State Government has stepped up enforcement against street trading and environmental offenses in recent months to improve safety, reduce congestion, and promote a cleaner city.

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