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Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway begins commercial operation Jan – Amaechi
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line will commence full commercial operation in January next year.
He said on Friday that the $1.6bn railway project would be fully completed in December this year 2021.
He spoke during a television programme on AIT, which was attended virtually by the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.
The transportation minister said he would partner Fashola and Lagos State Government to move cargoes from roads to rail.
Amaechi said this would start with the new Lagos-Ibadan rail line.
He said, “I intend to approach him (Fashola) in January and approach the Lagos State governor so that we can see how we can deal with Apapa. Why I said that is because by December to first or second week in January, we should have completed the Lagos-Ibadan.
“Then if we do, there will be a need to decide what vehicles can go to Lagos and the capacity of such vehicles or trucks.”
Amaechi added, “If we do that, we can then transfer all the cargoes that come from Apapa seaport to the railway. We believe we could transfer that up till Ibadan while we are still constructing the rail line from Ibadan to Kano.”
Apart from movement of heavy cargoes, he said the new rail line would also help decongest major cities in Lagos as many people could live in Ibadan and work in Lagos.
The minister stated that in two to three years, the Ibadan-Kano rail line would have been substantially done to move more cargoes on the rail line.
He said, “In the next two to three years, we will see how much we would have tried to complete the Ibadan to Kano line. The more we are able to move these cargoes out of the road, then we can save our roads.
“Similarly, the same thing will happen from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. So, I agree completely with the works minister, Babatunde Fashola, and I say to Nigerians to be more patient with us and allow us work to complete the projects.”
Fashola, while responding to a question, said Nigerian roads would not last without functional rail lines.
“I am his biggest champion when he (Amaechi) is presenting his request in the cabinet for the rails because I know that without the rail the roads will not last,” Fashola said.
He added, “The tankers are plying excess cargo; they are moving 60,000 tonnes instead of 33,000, 40,000 or 45,000 tonnes maximum. So, the best way is to move all that cargo into the tracks.
“That is what happens in countries we want to be like and that is where we are heading. So, he (Amaechi) has my support.”
News
Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship
Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship
The member representing Iwo/Ayedire/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State, Lukman Kayode Mudashiru, has earmarked N100 million to sponsor indigent students from the constituency for university education.
A statement on Saturday from his media office said successful applicants would be sponsored for four-year undergraduate programmes at Ahman Patigi University, Kwara State.
Mudashiru had set up a scholarship committee comprising respected individuals from the community in order to ensure transparency and efficient selection process.
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He said the goal of the committee was to identify and support indigent students based on merit, assuring that the committee would discharge its duty judiciously “to maximize its impact on the lives of our youths.”
The lawmaker said: “This initiative is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the educational upliftment of our community. We are determined to ensure that deserving students receive the support they need to pursue higher education.
“Education is the bedrock of development, and I am proud to deliver on my promise to support the aspirations of our youths. This scholarship program is an investment in the future leaders of Iwo, Ayedire, and Olaoluwa Local Government Areas, and I am confident that it will yield positive results for our community.”
Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship
News
Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack
Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack
The House of Representatives say it will monitor the investigation into the military drone attack that killed over 80 Nigerians in Kaduna State on Nov. 3.
Rep. Babajimi Benson, Chairman, House Committee on Defence, gave the assurance in a statement titled, “Tudun Biri tragedy elicits profound sorrow” in Abuja on Saturday.
He expressed regrets over the ugly incident, while tasking authorities of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to prioritise the safety of civilians during operations.
He urged them to exercise utmost caution, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
He said: “The unfortunate incident in Tudun Biri community, Kaduna state, has cast a sobre mood over the hearts of all Nigerians; the House Committee on Defence is profoundly saddened by this regrettable incident.
“The loss of innocent lives in this tragic incident is heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families.
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“We would like to recognise the prompt admission of responsibility by the Nigerian Army following the accidental air strike.”
He commended various stakeholders who played crucial roles in alleviating the suffering of the victims.
He said the incident underscored the significance of exercising caution and precision in military operations, particularly in areas with civilian populations.
He said the committee acknowledged the complexities encountered by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in upholding security and addressing diverse threats across the country.
He commended the dedication and sacrifices exhibited by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the service of the nation.
“It remains crucial for the public to steadfastly support our troops, acknowledging the intricate nature of the security environment in which they operate.
“The House Committee on Defence will closely monitor the investigations and work collaboratively with the military authorities to ensure that corrective measures are implemented to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents, ” he said.
Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack
(NAN)
News
Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince
Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince
President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, commiserated with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, and the Royal House of Saudi on the passing of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz bin Bandar Al Saud who died in jet crash Thursday.
The Saudi Royal Court announced that Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz died when the Saudi Arabian Air Force’s F-15SA fighter plane crashed in Dhahran on December 7.
However, it did not disclose the injuries that led to the prince’s death.
Talal, 62, who was on a training mission died alongside one other pilot.
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The last rituals for Talal will be carried out at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, said the monarchy.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President
Tinubu expressed grief at the loss, acknowledging the departed Prince’s excellent and dedicated service to his country throughout his outstanding career in the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Saudi Intelligence Agency.
According to the statement titled ‘President Tinubu mourns Saudi Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Bandar Al Saud,’ the President prayed God Almighty to grant repose to the soul of the departed, and comfort for the Royal House of Saud, the Kingdom, and all who mourn this irreparable loss.
Prince Talal joins a list of Saudi Royals who were either involved in or lost their lives in aviation accidents dating back to a 2017 helicopter crash that killed Prince Mansour bin Muqrin and seven others near the Saudi-Yemeni border.
Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince
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