metro
Second Niger Bridge eases traffic, motorists excited
The Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday opened the Second Niger Bridge between Asaba, Delta State and Onitsha, Anambra State to motorists for temporary use.
The bridge was opened amid jubilation from road users.
The government opened the bridge for temporary use for vehicles coming from the West to the South-East through Asaba from December 15, 2022, to January 15, 2023.
Although, it was a mixed feeling for residents of the zone, especially marketers who used to make brisk business during gridlock as they complained that the opportunity for them to make huge sales in traffic may not arise during this Christmas season.
Our correspondent, who visited the bridge on Thursday, observed that vehicles were plying it from Asaba to Onitsha, without any hitch.
The motorists expressed excitement that the bridge would be a relief for road users as it is going to help decongest the old Niger Bridge.
The Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said the temporary opening of the second Niger Bridge was to decongest traffic from the old bridge during the Yuletide.
There was heavy security presence at the bridge to ensure the safety of lives and properties of those plying the bridge on Thursday.
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Speaking to our correspondent, the Chairman of the Great Tippers Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, Chukwuebuka Unekwe, expressed excitement that the bridge would lead to the free flow of traffic, at the Onitsha-Owerri road as smaller vehicles will now be reduced on that axis.
Unekwe said, “Although our trucks are not allowed to ply the road during this temporary opening, it is a relief to us because those smaller vehicles will now make use of that place, thereby reducing the number of vehicles at the old River Niger Bridge.
“I have been at the bridge, it is very smooth and vehicles were moving very fast but I will advise they should not be deceived by the road and start speeding, thereby endangering their lives.”
One of the road users, who identified himself as Mathew Okafor, said the opening of the second Niger Bridge is a big relief to travellers, especially this Christmas period.
According to him, “If one does not have any business in Onitsha, Nkpor and others, he will ply the Second Niger Bridge to avoid the stress of passing the Onitsha Bridge head.”
Another road user, Ifeanyi Uche, described the new bridge as a blessing to the South East and it is a welcome development.
He added that the stress people pass through on the Onitsha Bridge was too much, noting that because of the stress on the bridge, many people hardly come home for Christmas.
The Secretary of Electronic Dealers Market, Onitsha, Damian Ogudike, said the opening of the new bridge was a good development.
He said the new bridge would ease the stress one passes at the bridge head from Asaba, Delta State.
“Honestly, the immediate benefit is the easing of stress people pass through to cross the old bridge head. I think this is a good one and kudos to the Federal Government,” he said.
metro
UK hikes visa fees as new rates take effect April 9
UK hikes visa fees as new rates take effect April 9
The United Kingdom Home Office has announced an upward revision of visa application fees across various categories, with the cost of study visas for main applicants and their dependents rising from £490 to £524.
According to an update published on the Home Office website on March 19, the new fees will apply from April 9. The cost of a six-month visit visa will increase from £115 to £127, while a two-year visa will now be issued at £475, up from £432. Additionally, the fee for a 10-year visa has been raised from £963 to £1,059.
Transit visas have also been affected by the changes, with the direct airside transit visa fee increasing from £35 to £39, and the direct landside visit visa rising from £64 to £70.
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The UK has long been a preferred destination for Nigerian students looking to further their education, often as a way to escape economic challenges at home. However, the number of Nigerian students applying to study in the UK has dropped significantly in 2024 following a government policy barring most international students from bringing their family members.
The rule, which does not apply to postgraduate research students, has led to a decline in study visa applications from countries such as Nigeria and India. A March 2024 report by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service highlighted the shift, noting that many prospective students are now seeking admission in alternative destinations.
UK hikes visa fees as new rates take effect April 9
metro
Ramadan ends in Nigeria, Sultan announces March 30 as Eid-el-Fitr
Ramadan ends in Nigeria, Sultan announces March 30 as Eid-el-Fitr
Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad, says the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan fasting has been sighted.
The Sultan, who is president of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSIA), said in a broadcast on Saturday night, “Today marks the end of the Ramadan fasting and Sunday, March 30, is the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.”
metro
Embrace environmental sanitation during Eid-Fitr, LAGESC boss tells Lagosians
Embrace environmental sanitation during Eid-Fitr, LAGESC boss tells Lagosians
By Dada Jackson
The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has urged Lagosians to embrace proper environmental practices and obey the state’s environmental laws ahead of the Eid-l-Fitr festivities to mark the end of the Ramadan fast by Muslim faithful around the world.
Corps Marshal of the agency, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (retd), sounded the call at the agency’s command headquarters at Bolade-Oshodi.
He said, ‘‘The Ramadan fast is a testament to the willingness of Muslim faithful to adhere to the pillars of their faith and it is enjoined that cleanliness is an important religious practice in all faiths, which is why we admonish Lagosians to imbibe proper waste disposal and keep their environment clean during the celebration.”
Cole also advised Lagosians to make proper use of pedestrian bridges for their safety instead of crossing highways to prevent ‘hit and run’ cases by speeding motorists.
He equally read a riot act to miscreants in the habit of converting pedestrian bridges to sleeping areas which deters Lagosians in transit, pedestrians vowing that anyone caught w be made to face the state Environmental laws as amended
The KAI boss also revealed that the agency had recorded giant strides and would not relent in ridding pedestrian bridges across Lagos of criminal obstructions, traders and hawkers with daily arrests made alongside secured prosecutions by the Courts.
The Corps Marshal also warned Lagosians to desist from street trading, use of Styrofoam pack, hawking in traffic, patronage of cart pushers for refuse disposal, and erection of illegal structures on laybys, setbacks, medians, road verges, kerbs or around public schools in the state.
The KAI head said offenders would be made to face the consequences via prosecution in a competent court of appropriate jurisdiction.
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