Blog

1000 contractors apply for Nigerian Railway Corporation’s projects

NRC

By Kazeem Akande
Lagos, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has opened bids to pre-qualify contractors for its 2018  projects with over 1000 participating.

Mr Ben Iloanusi, the NRC Director of Procurement, told the newsmen during pre-qualification exercise at the NRC headquarters, Ebute Meta, Lagos, on Wednesday.

Iloanusi said about 1,000 submissions were received across the various categories.

“The projects numbering 12 as advertised recently by the corporation in some national dailies were bidded for by over 1000 companies.

“The projects included emergency repair and maintenance of tracks, bridges and culvert, renovation.

“Also inclusive are upgrade of railway stations nationwide, procurement of locomotives, coaches, wagons, railway inspection vehicles and cranes, rehabilitation of locomotives and coaches.

“Others are procurement, rehabilitation and installation of equipment for mechanical, electrical, security, printing and ICT facilities; procurement of rolling stock consumables and spare parts and provision of insurance services,” he said.

The director further disclosed that the exercise may  be concluded by the end of October as the procurement team had been directed to conclude the evaluation process in one month.

Mr Niyi Ali, the Director of Operationa, promised that the process would be transparent, saying the corporation will be fair to all in the pre-qualification and selection stages.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about N12 billion was approved by the Federal Government for the corporation’s projects in the 2018 budget.

Representatives of the various companies were on ground as the team verified the documents submitted by them amid tight security.(NAN)

AKA/OOADA
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Edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Dele Akinsola

Trucks

By Mateen Badru

Lagos, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) The Presidential Task Force on Apapa Gridlock has said that it would on Monday start impounding deviant and idle articulated vehicles on Lagos bridges and roads.

The Task Force Chairman, Commodore Okon Eyo, announced this at stakeholders’ meeting on Apapa traffic gridlock on Wednesday in Lagos.

He said the punitive measures would  only  apply to non-compliant drivers of articulated vehicles.

Eyo, who is also the Commander NNS Beecroft, explained that the delay in  enforcement was due to lack of holding bays to accommodate the trucks and other modalities needed to be put in place.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting followed a previous meeting convened by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos with other stakeholders on easing Apapa gridlock.

Eyo said that the task force had held series of meetings on the gridlock and was now determined to return all empty containers on the road to the holding bays.

“Articulated vehicles henceforth are no longer allowed to be on the roads and bridges but at the holding bays and from there, they would be programmed between the agencies, terminal operators and NPA management.

“These agencies will then generate call cards for the articulated vehicles. The call card is what the security agencies will be checking on the roads.

“When we brought up the idea a month ago, the operators were not ready so we gave them time to put the required infrastructure for holding bays in place.

“Right now, we are very serious and they do not have a choice other than to comply,” he said.

On his part, Chairman of Ajeromi Local Government, Mr Ayoola Fatai,  told  journalists that lots of people were benefiting from the chaos, which he said explained the lingering situation.

“A lot of people are benefiting from the chaotic situation and that is why the solution is being delayed up to this moment.

“My take on this is that it has paralyzed businesses my local government.

“We have about 1.6 million people residing in Ajegunle who cannot go out of their houses talk less of going about their businesses.

“People are dying everyday because of these containers and trucks. We need to be realistic in this approach.

`I have written a letter to the commander informing him of our resolution in our community not to allow these trucks to to pass through our community anymore.

“Already, 198 culverts have been damaged, about 14 streets have been destroyed because of these containers,” he said.

Also, the Chairman, Apapa Local Government, Mr Elijah Owolabi, harped on the dangers the gridlock posed to the health of residents.

“All these trucks that want to carry out major business in Apapa should maintain one lane and allow the other lane to be useful for the commercial vehicles and other private vehicles to come in and execute their own businesses,” he said.

NAN reports that some of the proposed measures taken   to effectively de-congest the roads were to stop empty containers without any business at the ports, while export containers or sided trucks and flat beds are left inbound to the ports.

Others included coordinating large haulage companies or anyone moving 10 trucks or more per day in addition to  monitoring the operation of holding bays, parking instructions and management of broken down vehicles, as well as stopping non-ports bound traffic like tankers and trucks going to private premises.

NAN also reports that the stakeholders’  meeting also addressed the issue of complaints of extortion, brutality, preferential treatment and ineffectiveness of the applied strategies by the security task force.

They also addressed the challenge of poor road network, recalcitrant drivers, intimidating and threatening posture of groups and unions, sometimes even to the extent of blackmail.

The meeting  addressed  transporters’ subtle and overt inducement of traffic personnel and uncooperative attitude of terminal operators and shipping agencies.

The stakeholders identified other challenges including  ineffective NPA call-up system, unprofessional conduct of the task force and  continued use of the bridges as parks, non-operationalisation of the holding bays, use of dilapidated and rickety vehicles and losgistics shortfall for the task force.
(NAN)

BOM/OSA/WOJ

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Edited by Shittu Obassa/Wale Ojetimi

Donation
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Sept. 19, 2018(NAN) Miss Tolulope Ogunremi, a 300 level student at University of Southampton, UK on Wednesday donated 350 Mathematics textbooks worth N500,000 to students of Ajara Community High School, Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogunremi is studying Mathematics and Computer Science at the UK university.

Ogunremi stated that she would also be in touch with the students on regular basis to monitor their progress in Mathematics each term.

“I am pleased to announce that after review of the assessments at the end of 2018/19 session, top 5 in JSS 2 and top 5 in JSS 3 will have their tuition fees until the end of SS 3 paid by my humble self.

“I am here today because I felt the need to empower students by providing relevant resources. Better knowledge of Mathematics will never be a waste.

“I hope that the donation of these textbooks will inspire you all to forge ahead,” she said.

She said that she was passionate about empowering young people of African descent to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Ogunremi said that she would also launch Project Hezi soon,  aimed at improving the state of education in Nigeria.

Mr Taiwo Ogunremi, the father of the donor, said that his daughter was  inspired after she visited Nigeria and saw the need to help the children hawking during school hours.

He said that his daughter later indicated her decision to raise funds to assist in returning them to schools with whatever she can do.

Mrs Ibironke Fatoki, Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, commended the donor for the gesture, urging other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate such.

Mrs Adebola Adeleye, Principal, Ajara Community High School, Ibadan and Samuel Augustine, a student, commended Ogunremi’s philanthropic gesture.

Adeleye stated that the importance of excellence in Mathematics could not be over emphasised, saying it was a prerequisite for all science and social science studies in universities.

“I commend Miss Tolulope Ogunremi for the help she has extended to the students in this sub-rural area who have, hitherto, not been able to purchase mathematics textbooks.

“I promise that the books will be put to judicious use and we pray that Miss Ogunremi and her family shall be amply rewarded by God,” she said.(NAN)

TAA/AAB/WOJ

Edited By Adeboye Ajayi/Wale Ojetimi

NNL
By Olayinka Owolewa
Ilorin, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Mighty Jets of Jos on Wednesday forced Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC to a goalless draw.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the match day 10 2017/2018 Bet9ja Nigeria National League (NNL) encounter was played at the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

Two minutes into the encounter, Bolaji Bashir would have put the hosts ahead but Mighty Jets’ goalkeeper, Innocent Noem,  made a bright save to deny him.

Bashir was presented with another opportunity five minutes later but his effort was too easy for Noem to deal with as he caught the ball  with ease.

Obinna Jacob made a fantastic recovery to deny Luqman Karatu a goal scoring opportunity in the 8th minute as the Saraki Boys pinned their visitors to their half.

Karatu again in the 20th minute fired a shot from outside the box which Noem spilled before David Okoromi but the Saraki Boys’ youngster slipped before getting to the ball.

The visitors were presented a goal scoring from a set-piece but Ayoba Zaidu glided the chance for a goal kick.

In the 36th minute, the home fans appealed for a penalty when Okoromi went down in the opposition box but the centre referee waved play on.

Two minutes into the restart, Abubakar Chindo and Bashir combined beautifully well but Noem covered his post well to force him to play out the ball.

The Saraki Boys controlled most of the possession in the second half until the introduction of Mennsseh Amandeh in the 61th minute and he brought life into the visitors’ team.

The Mighty Jets’ goalkeeper  made a world-class save  to ensure the visitors leave Ilorin with a point.

Speaking after the game, Coach Benard Ogbe  said the victory was elating after a loss to Kwara United in the round of 32 Aiteo Cup match in Lokoja on Sunday.

“Our plan was to rediscover ourselves after the cup loss and we prepared well for the game.

“The boys exhibited a lot of fighting spirit and played to instructions and they are going home with something, ” Ogbe said.

His ABS Ilorin FC counterpart, Tunde Sanni, blamed his boys for wasting too many scoring opportunities in the first half.

The former Kwara United handler challenged his experienced players to rise to the occasion and justify their inclusion in  the team.

NAN recalls that the Saraki Boys had suffered a 3-0 defeat in the hands of their opponents during match day 9 in Jos.

The Saraki Boys will now travel to Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital,  to lock horns with Aklosendi for match day 11.(NAN)
OOH/OJO
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Victory
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Mrs Omobosola Golohor, the governorship candidate of the Democratic  Peoples Party (DPP) in Oyo State,  has expressed confidence that she would emerge victorious in the 2019 poll.

Golohor told newsmen on Wednesday in Oyo after a meeting with party members and political groups from the four councils in the town that she was optimistic of victory.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Golohor, a native of Otu in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state, is the first female governorship candidate in the state.

NAN recalls that Golohor had emerged the DPP governorship candidate from the party’s primary held on Aug. 28.

Golohor stated that she was confident of victory following the responses that trailed her emergence as DPP’s governorship candidate in the state.

“We have been consulting through the length and breadth of the state without losing our main focus.

“ We have made our manifesto known and how we intend to implement it when I become the governor in 2019.

“Some people are asking questions as to whether it is possible for a female candidate to win governorship election in Oyo State or not, but we let them know that it is possible.

” We assured that we have a template to effect the real change within the spate of four years of being elected.

“Our people have reaffirmed that they don’t want to recycle again, they want a new breath. I have a vision for this state and I know it is possible for me to win this election.

“I am working toward it and I know I will win. The future is bright, I will be the next governor of Oyo State come May 2019,” she said.

Mr Waheed Olayiwola, the leader of the group, assured Golohor of party members’ commitment to increasing awareness in the town while delivering the required number of votes from the constituency.

“With the level at which we’re working for this party in the entire four local governments in Oyo, our governorship candidate is governor-in-waiting.

“Our prayer is for God to grant our wishes as we’re set to set the record of the first party to produce a female governor in Oyo State,” he said. (NAN)
TAA/OJO
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Eligibility

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Wale Joseph, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), 2018 Lagos chapter  of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Cup, on Wednesday advised media organisations to present only eligible players in the event.

Joseph told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the organisations should submit in good time lists of their players which must be genuine staff of the media outfits.

NAN reports that the bet9ja-sponsored event, restricted to television, radio and online sports writers, would hold in the Legacy pitch of the National Stadium, Lagos from Sept. 28 to Oct. 5.

“This is an annual event organised by Lagos chapter of SWAN which is an atmosphere to socialise among ourselves outside the newsroom and engage in football activity.

“We are aware that its strictly for sports writers of media organisations, this is the reason we are warning against the use of “mercineries” because there will be instant disqualification.

“Organisations are to submit their teams list with photocopy of valid identity cards of the players early in our secretariat in the National Stadium where the screening will be conducted,” he said.

He said only registered media organisations whose team list met the competition requirements during the screening would be accredited to feature in the eight-day event.

The LOC chairman noted that there would be prizes for Most Valuable Player (MVP), highest goal scorer, best goalkeeper, including best radio, television station, social media and individual awards.

Joseph said  the opening game would feature a match between SWAN veterans and Family United by Sports, while the grand final would have SWAN ladies vs team Omidiran.

“We will have our veterans on the field with the likes of Amaju Pinnick, NFF President; Patrick Ikeji, former Director General of the defunct National Sports Commission and outstanding ex-international footballers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Debo Oshundun, SWAN Lagos Chairman, who expressed support for the LOC, told NAN that integrity, truthfulness and transparency must be applied to make the event memorable.

Oshundun promised to bring more of such social events and extend welfare package to members and less privileged in the state.

“I support the screening programme of the LOC because I stand for honesty and we must get it right and sustain the standard in the forthcoming SWAN cup and other events.

“Within the short period of our inauguration, we have visited orphanages and hospitals with gift items and cash support to offset medical bills in our little way,” he said.

NAN reports that bet9ja, a sports betting outfit and official sponsor of the 2018 edition of the SWAN Cup, pledged N5 million as sponsorship package for the event. (NAN)

MIL/MO/WOJ
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Edited by Omolade Michael/Wale Ojetimi

24^th CJN Sports Competition begins in Port Harcourt

Sports

By Dianabasi Effiong

Port Harcourt, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) The 24th edition of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Sports Competition kicked off in Port Harcourt on Wednesday with N20 million up for grab.

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, who flagged off the Games tagged “Rivers State 2018” at the Sharks Stadium, said the amount would go as first prize money.

According the governor  the second place winner will be rewarded with N15 million while the third placed team will cart awayN10 million.

He said that all other participating teams would get five million Naira each.

He assured that his administration would continue to host sporting and entertainment events because of the peaceful nature of Rivers.

Wike, who also appreciated the sports men and women of the judiciary for choosing the state for the games, urged them to explore the nightlife of Port Harcourt and other relaxation spots.

Representative of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Sidi Bage, said that Rivers ranked highest in terms of support to the judiciary and its activities.

He urged other states to support the judiciary for the growth of the sector.

According to Bage, sports help members of the judiciary to remain fit in order to carry out their responsibilities.

Thirty courts and judicial bodies affiliated with the National Sports Association for Judiciary are participating at the event with 12 states as observers.

A posthumous award was presented to the late Attorney General of Rivers, Emmanuel Aguma, for his outstanding support for the National Sports Association for Judiciary. (NAN)

DOE/IA

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

UN agency signs regional hosting right agreement with Nigeria

Agreement

By Isaac Aregbesola

Abuja, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN)The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria to host its regional office for West, Central and North Africa.

The WMO is the United Nations’ specialised agency for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences. It has more than 191 Member States and Territories.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, signed on behalf of Nigeria while the WMO Secretary General, Petteri Taalas, signed on behalf of  the organisation.

Taalas said that with the MOU, Nigeria would be serving the interest of 27 countries in boosting their early warning capacity and addressing the challenge of climate change in those regions.

He noted that climate change had increased disasters of most African countries which had affected their agriculture and economy.

Taalas said that the MoU would help to improve the WMO services in controlling the effect of climate change and weather and also promoting the cooperation between various countries.

According to him, the agreement is a great one and WMO is very grateful for Nigeria government’s commitment on the agreement.

He said that agreement would help African countries to mitigate against effect of climate change, noting that African countries were vulnerable to climate change which had been affecting their economy.

He commended Nigeria for supporting neighbouring countries, stressing that the office would further help Nigeria in supporting other African countries in the cluster.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Olukunle Bamgbose, commended the organisation for giving Nigeria the hosting right.

He said that Nigeria was committed to the implementation of the MoU.

“We want to commend the WMO for the initiative; Nigerian government will continue to support Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) to give bite to the agreement that was signed.

“We as Nigerian government will continue to support you, as we have the hosting capacity.”

He stressed that the MOU was a symbiotic relationship and a mutual beneficial relationship between Nigeria and WMO.

The Director General of NIMET, Prof Sani Abubakar, said that the WMO hosting right had given Nigeria a leading role in Africa

“By giving us the hosting right, it means that we are invariably being given the leader of all the climate agencies in the West, Central and North Africa.

“By the time you isolate the West, Central and North Africa, it means that we are controlling over 60 per cent of Africa.

“To us it is a very great honour and by signing this agreement, Nigeria has committed itself to meeting up with all its international obligations on climate change,” he said.

According to him, “If we are hosting WMO as far as the organisation is concerned, it is Nigeria that will be providing the lead on any issue concerning Africa.

“Because we are hosting the regional office it means that if there is any benefit from WMO to Africa within this particular region, it means that Nigeria will be the first to benefit(NAN)

IAA/IA

Welfare
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has promised People Living With Disabilities in Osun of improved welfare package if its candidate is elected in Saturday ’s governorship election.

Retired Justice Folahanmi Oloyede, the party’s deputy governorship candidate,  made the promise while addressing physically challenged persons at a rally on Wednesday in Osogbo.

Oloyede said that issues affecting them would be prioritised by the party’s candidate, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade,  and herself if elected.

She said that people living with disabilities have equal rights with others in the society, adding that the party had made plans to empower them if elected.

“We will make life meaningful for people with special needs and those living with disabilities. Youths will also be taken care of.

“Our government will employ two persons with disabilities into each ministry in the state as long as they have the required qualifications.

“Once we get into office, we will hire medical specialists to ensure that permanent ailments that can be avoided are avoided.

“Aside from the provision of good health services, we will provide health insurance schemes and education for children with special needs.

“So, I want you to vote for our party just like you have promised in order to bring all these plans to fruition,’’ Oloyede said.

Besides, Oloyede said the party would ensure prompt payment of salaries and pension arrears.

In his remarks, Mr Lani Gbadebo, the leader of people living with disabilities in the state, said ADC remains the only party that could address their plight.

Gbadebo said: “We have made up our mind to support and vote for ADC on Saturday.

“We have suffered enough and we believe in the pedigree and integrity of both Akinbade and Oloyede to rescue this state and also attend to our needs as members of this state.

“We have gone through their manifestos and their plans for us and we are convinced that they are truly on a rescue mission.’’  (NAN)
VE/JEY/OJO
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(Edited by Johnson Eyiangho/Mufutau Ojo)