Handover Passengers’ Identification To Technology Firm – FG Directs NRC

Handover Passengers’ Identification To Technology Firm – FG Directs NRC

Abuja – The Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to handover tickets and passengers identification to Secure ID, the company in charge of the E-Ticketing platform for Abuja-Kaduna rail service, to reduce crime and avoid security crises on the route.

Amaechi disclosed this when the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) presented the Full Business Case Certificates (FBC) for Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe-Warri E-Ticketing service to the Ministry of Transportation, Wednesday.

According to him, the introduction of the E-Ticketing platform for Abuja-Kaduna had increased the generated revenue from about 100million Naira to 400million Naira monthly,  successfully blocking revenue leakages.

“The benefits of the E-Ticketing is that we rose from 100million Naira to 400 million Naira per month, which is an improvement, we have been able to do something that will eliminate leakages.

“On the issue of  ticket racketeering, I have spoken to the person in charge of Abuja-Kaduna to take over the identification process from NRC. Because what the National Assembly told me was that NRC doesn’t cross-check the ID of passengers on the tickets, and the ticketing company had wanted to do it, but they have not gotten the approval from NRC.

“So I have told NRC to allow them do it, so that we match faces with the names. It’s not all about crime alone but it’s also security. So if we release it to the technology outfit, eventhough we cannot eliminate 100 percent crime and corruption, it will reduce the danger of having to run into security crises, so that we know that what we are battling with is not crises in our terminals but on the way and I believe that, that also will be sorted out as we go to cabinet for approval of the security gadgets.”

Earlier, Mr. Michael Ohiani, the Acting Director-General of the ICRC said that the concession is for ten years which will generate over 140 billion Naira during the period and also create over 3000 direct and indirect jobs.

“The concession is for ten years,  it is going to generate over 140billion Naira to the Federal Government,  most importantly it will also create job opportunities for over 3000, direct and indirect jobs. 

“The next phase is for the Honourable Minister to take it to the Federal Executive Council for approval and the Ministry of Justice will now clear it,” Ohiani said.

SUPER FALCONS SETTLE FOR A 2-2 DRAW IN THEIR SECOND FRIENDLY GAME AGAINST CANADA

The Super Falcons of Nigeria recorded a 2-2 draw against Canada in their second friendly, in the early hours of Tuesday, April 12, at the Starlight Stadium, Langford.

Super Falcons lost the first friendly 2-0 to Canada in Vancouver and were looking forward to a better performance in the second game.

The Super Falcons went ahead in the fifth minute when Ifeoma Onumonu converted a ball with a back heel at the near post.

Canada started the second half with urgency and a mistake at the back by Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi resulted in the equalizer.


Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade scored a fantastic goal for the Falcons in the second half.

Down with a goal in front of their home fans, Canada began to pile pressure on the Super Falcons defense.

Despite being unable to get the win, the two games against Canada were a huge test for the Super Falcons as they continue their preparation for the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations -AWCON- scheduled to take place in July 2022.

Ola-Adebomi Signs Professional Contact with Crystal Palace

England-born Nigerian forward Ademola Ola-Adebomi has signed his first professional contract with Crystal Palace.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a commendable individual season as part of Rob Quinn’s Under-18s, scoring 14 goals from 22 appearances as the U18s sit third in the league.

Ola-Adebomi joined Palace 10 years ago,at eight years old and progressed through the age groups.

Ola-Adebomi said: “It’s what I’ve dreamed of since the age of eight, since I joined the Academy. To get a professional contract here means the world to me.

Ugbawka: Hon Nnaji Makes Case For Establishment of Federal University of Agriculture

Ugbawka: Hon Nnaji Makes Case For Establishment of Federal University of Agriculture

Abuja – The establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture Ugbawka, in Nkanu East Local Government of Enugu State will help boost agricultural production in the Southeast and the nation at large.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Honourable Nnolim Nnaji, stated this on Monday during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Agric Colleges and Institutions on the Bill for the establishment of Federal University of Ugbawka.

Honourable Nnaji who represents Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency of Enugu State in the Federal House of Representatives in his opening remarks as the sponsor of the Bill stressed that Ugbawka as one of the food baskets of the Southeast region needed the institution to boast agricultural production capacity in the zone.

According to him, “in the whole Southeast, you have two main popular brands of rice, Abakaliki rice and Ugbawka rice. Ugbawka rice is often referred to as Uncle Ben’s rice because of its quality “.

He noted that the university when established would improve knowledge and technology in agricultural production for the people of southeast and the nation in general.

Honourable Nnaji thanked the committee and the leadership of the House of Representatives for all their supports to the Bill and assured that the community and Nkanu East Local Government as well as the State Government were all in support of the Bill.

The two prominent leaders and representatives of the community, Chief Rex Onyeabor and Comrade Fidelis Edeh who made presentations on behalf of Ugbawka people praised Honourable Nnaji for sponsoring the Bill assuring the committee on Agric Colleges and Institutions as well as the House of Representatives that the entire community and the local government were enthusiastic about the proposed university.

They both agreed that agriculture has gone beyond subsistent to knowledge and scientific base in order to boost production adding that the advantages of the institution to the Southeast region and the nation could not be overemphasized.

Comrade Edeh also presented a document signed by the leaders of the community to prove the community’s willingness to host the institution and provide all the supports needed for its take off when the Bill is eventually signed into law.

EPL TROPHY BATTLE INTENSIFIED AS  CITY AND LIVERPOOL RECORDED A DRAW

Liverpool endured a goalless first half against City, only to come from behind on the second half to secure a 2-2 draw.

City retained their slender one-point advantage at the top of the Premier League .

The meeting between the country’s two outstanding sides lived up to its pre-match billing and in the end there was nothing to separate them, with the destination of the title still hanging in the balance with seven games remaining.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp speaking to BBC  said“It was a proper football game. If you played for another club, played yesterday, won it, trained today then watching City vs Liverpool. I don’t know what I would have done to watch it but to be a part of it… I cannot stop being surprised. I love it. Let’s keep going and see where we end up.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also spoke to Sky Sports: “I think it is a good advert for the Premier League. It was a fantastic game and both teams tried to win. Liverpool is a joy to watch, I know the threats they have and how good they are. I think we performed really well and I’m so proud of my team.

Since the start of the 2018-19 season, combining the four campaigns, City and Liverpool have been separated by just a single point in the Premier League as the battle continue with 7 matches remaining.

Brentford delt West Ham Top Four Battle a blow

Brentford has dented West Ham Top Four Battle in a 2-0 victory to move away from relegation zone.

 They also suffered ahead of Thursday’s Europa League second leg against Lyon with defender Kurt Zouma forced off injured in the first half.

Second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney saw Thomas Frank’s side climb to 13th on the table, 12 points clear of the bottom three, to all but confirm their Premier League safety.

Mourinho Eulogize Karim Benzema

Roma coach José Mourinho has poured encomium on Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema following his unselfish way of playing football.


 Mourinho said “The best compliment we could give to Karim Benzema is to say that he was Cristiano’s favourite partner at Real Madrid.” And for Cristiano to fall in love with another striker, it means that this one does a lot for him and all the players around him. Probably the only #9 I know who isn’t selfish in his game. He is a great collective player.


He further stated” the way Karim interacts with other players is fantastic. he is getting old but his body seems to be getting younger. He really takes care of himself. His life has changed a lot in his younger years. He is a fantastic professional. Karim is absolutely incredible.”


This indeed is a magnificent tribute from the Special One, to Karim Benzema.


Benzema has scored 24 goals in La Liga and 11 in the Champions League this season

EBSOSA Sues for Knowledge-based Economy

Members of EBSOSA with the founder of HiPACT programme, Uncle Sam Agha Egwu
Prof Afam Icha-Ituma making a short speech after receiving an award for his human empowerment programmes
Dr Nnanna Igwe receiving award of excellence from EBSOSA

The Ebonyi State Overseas Scholars’ Association (EBSOSA), has called on Nigeria to move towards knowledge based economy where the best brains are appointed into the critical sectors based on merit. The president, Dr Francis Onwe who made the call on Saturday during the award of excellence ceremony held at the International Conference Centre frowned at the rate at which despite having one of the best brains in the world, Nigeria has remained poor.

Dr Onwe who is also a consultant community health physician advised that ‘the era of appointment for political compensation and recycling of people in government should be avoided’. The consultant noted that Nigeria’s reliance on oil economy has done more harm than good to the country. He advised the leadership of state governments across Nigeria, particularly Ebonyi State to embrace industrialisation, warning that ‘very soon there will be zero oil economy with no federal monthly allocation’.

Onwe advocated for the ‘urgent establishment of three cement industries, one in each senatorial zone under a private- public partnership’. This, the consultant said would only help to mitigate the damage already done to the economy.

Declaring the event open, Prof Chuka Abara enjoined the universities in Nigeria to be producing for the industries and not for the industries to be producing for the universities. The don said that the investment into the educational sector should be taken seriously to avoid the current situation where education is relegated to the background.

In his remarks, the founder of the HiPACT programme on which Ebonyi indigenes benefited from Overseas  scholarship, ‘Uncle’ Sam Agha Egwu frowned at the way some of the awardees failed to honour the invitation and said it speaks a lot about the priorities of the state. He commended the leadership of EBSOSA, calling the association a seed that has germinated into a big tree.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of award of excellence to eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in human empowerment and other areas of endeavour. Some of the awardees include beneficiaries of Hi-PACT, Dr Nnanna Igwe and Prof Afam Icha-Ituma, the Vice Chancellor, Coal City University, Enugu all of who pledged to remain supportive of the association’s scholarship trust fund.

Super Falcons lost 2-0 to Canada in Vancouver

The Canadian women’s soccer team celebrated their Olympic championship with a 2-0 victory over Super Falcons of Nigeria in an international friendly fixture played in the early hours of Saturday, April 9, 2022.

Super Falcons gave their best but,it was not good enough against Olympic champions Canada.

The reigning African champions faced an uphill task to defeat Canada the number six ranked team in women’s football.

Canada are also the reigning Olympic women’s football champions following their triumph against Sweden in Tokyo 2020.

The two sides will meet again for the second game in the B.C. leg of the celebration tour on Monday in Langford, B.C.

Saturday marked the first time the Canadian and Nigerian women’s teams play against each other since April 2019 when Canada took a 2-1 victory in a friendly game in Spain.

NASS: Kalu’s Bills to establish Fed Polytechnic,College of Education gets first/second readings

FCT (Abuja) – The Bills for the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic , Abiriba and the Federal College of Education, Arochukwu both in Abia North of Abia State have been granted first and second readings respectively by the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday.

The educational bills sponsored by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu received the legislative assent of the members of the Red Chambers during Wednesday’s plenary following  unanimous voice votes in favour of both bills.

Recall that the second passage of the proposed Federal College of Education, Arochukwu Bill comes a day after it passed first reading following its presentation to the Senate by Abia-North Senator , Orji Kalu on Tuesday.

Leading the debate on the Bill , Kalu pointed out that the objective of the Bill is to amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act Cap F8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, in order to pave way for the establishment of the Federal College of Education Arochukwu, Abia State by upgrading the existing Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu, to Federal College of Education. 

Urging his colleagues to support its second reading  the former governor recalled that previous attempts in the 7th and 8th Assemblies to upgrade the existing facilities at the Abia State College of Education(Technical),Arochukwu to become a Federal Tertiary Institution failed due to the absence of a Bill which seeks to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, which this bill seeks to address.

 
He said “The Bill technically consists of 3 Clauses namely: Amendment of Federal Colleges of Education Act Cap F8 Cap N143 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, Amendment of first schedule to the Principal Act and Citation. We would by passing this Bill for further legislative process  bring the dreams and aspirations of not just the good people of Abia State but all Nigerians, to have access to good federal government tertiary education.

Stressing the importance of the institution to the  Nation’s educational system, Kalu said the proposed College of education will produce competent Teachers for secondary schools in the country.
“We desire to have this Bill passed into law because education is highly valued and considered as a social service. We know that it is a tool for change, growth and acts as a steering engine for national consciousness and development. 
“Therefore, no nation or society can strive to function effectively in the absence of education without proper collaboration with education and information to produce skills, knowledge, competencies, and as well enhance the development of human potentials to promote technology, Kalu concluded.”

Lending his support to the Bill, Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Ajayi Boroffice stated that the establishment of the college of education would increase the number of qualified Teachers to teach in secondary schools in the country. Boroffice also advocated for the establishment of a secondary schools commission to discourage uncertified Teachers from practicing in secondary schools. 
He said the existing College (Technical) provides limited access that by expanding the scope to a Federal College of Education barricades will be removed.

In his contribution Senator Adamu Aliero( Kebbi Central), rallied the Senate to grant the bill second reading, Aliero said that establishment of the Federal College of Education will incur less financial burden since the human and infrastructural resources are already in existence.

“Unlike most of the other bills seeking the establishment of educational institutions that usually incur a lot of costs, this one is already in existence. What the sponsor of this bill ( Senator Orji Kalu) is asking us to do is to upgrade the institution. The facilities are already there , the teachers are already on the payroll, the structures are also there, if it is upgraded as time goes on there might be need to add more. This is a very straightforward bill and I believe no one will be opposed to its second passage and I urge my colleagues to support it since it has no serious financial implications, Aliero said.
The bill passed second reading after it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.
Earlier on Wednesday the Senate granted first reading to a bill  for the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic Abiriba. The bill titled “Federal Polytechnic Act (Amendment) Bill , 2022 (SB. 980) is fronted by Orji Kalu.