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Inside Enugu State govt’s plan to build an automated rail system
The Enugu State government recently revealed that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the China Rail and Bridge Company [CRBC] to construct a world-class rail system in the state. With that partnership, the state hopes to establish itself as a key transportation hub, fostering regional integration and economic growth.
According to the Enugu State Ministry of Transport, at the heart of this unwavering commitment to modernization lies the pivotal initiative of digitizing its processes and integrating state-of-the-art e-payment systems.
The Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, said in a chat that contrary to thoughts that the new rail project will be limited to the state capital, the vision for the new rail project extends far beyond the confines of the capital city.
“The Enugu State Government envisions a comprehensive and interconnected rail network that will serve the urban areas, including Nsukka, and extend to other states and beyond, as well as other African countries. The aim is to create a robust and integrated transportation system that links various regions within the state and connects to neighbouring states
While not revealing how much this ambitious project is going to cost the state as it is still conducting an in-depth feasibility study, the Commissioner however noted that projects of this scale typically involve substantial costs that can run into billions of naira.
Enugu state is wholly dependent on vehicles for transportation
World-class rail project in Enugu
This rail project would not be the first in the state as parts of the state capital are lined with the iron tracks of the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Built around 1918 to connect the coal city of Enugu to the port city of Port Harcourt, the tracks have since become decrepit from age and vandalism.
Indeed, the Eastern District Public Relations Officer, of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Onyedikachi S. Onovo, confirmed to Technext that the old rail tracks are currently been dismantled. He said this was part of a comprehensive replacement process of the country’s old rail system carried out by the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC). He said the process also involves laying new tracks with concrete sleepers.
“The dismantling of the old tracks, starting from Port-Harcourt, has reached Enugu, and work is ongoing towards Maiduguri. Train operations are expected to resume soon,” he said.
• The Lagos Blue Rail
Looking ahead, the Enugu State government, led by Peter Mbah, appears intent on introducing into the state a modern train transportation system that will employ modern technology and innovation to enhance user convenience and efficiency. The Commissioner for Transport told this reporter that some of the key features of the new system include an electronic booking system, smart cards, contactless payment, revenue assurance through e-payment, etc.
While this appears to be a lofty project, one can’t help but point out some of the apparent challenges. One such challenge is vandalism which has already been pointed out. The other and more serious problem is insecurity which has turned the country into a kidnapper’s haven. The tale of the 63 train passengers abducted along the Abuja-Kaduna railway still remains fresh in mind.
The commissioner admits this is a real challenge which his office has considered.
“To address safety concerns and ensure the well-being of passengers, the rail project will incorporate comprehensive safety and security measures such as GPS trackers, surveillance cameras, security personnel, emergency response teams, and robust communication systems
He also said continuous efforts will be made to enhance and adapt security measures to address emerging challenges as the project progresses.
Beyond the challenges, the Commissioner is quite optimistic that the rail project will provide thousands of jobs. They include but are not limited to engineering works, construction work, railway operations, customer service and ticketing, manufacturing, supply chain management, IT consultancy, analyst jobs, retailers and food vendors, emergency response, safety and security, project management, environmental and sustainability specialists, hospitality staff, to mention a few.
In conclusion
Modern rail transportation is the hallmark of major cities across the world. Nigerian states are slowly waking up to this reality, with some like Lagos already completing a modern rail system connecting various parts of the state.
Lagos blue rail
But building these rail systems does not come easy with the story of the abandoned Port Harcourt monorail serving as a constant reminder of this fact. Enugu state is jumping into this fray and like everyone else, appears to be exuding a healthy amount of optimism.
Building rails across flatlands is one thing, but building them over the highlands that characterize the state’s topography on the other hand, let’s just say the government very literally is facing an uphill task. However, it remains undaunted.
“We are committed to delivering a world-class transportation system that will benefit our citizens and promote regional integration,” Obi Ozor concluded. (TechNext)
Gunmen, suspected to be bandits, reportedly attacked Jumai Kefas, the mother of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, along with her daughter, Atsi Kefas.
The attacks which occurred on Thursday, reportedly took place along Kente Road in Wukari Local Government Council of the state.
Confirming the attacks, the council chairman of Wukari, Dauda Samaila Agbu, expressed sadness over the incident.
Describing it as “deeply troubling,” he disclosed that Atsi Kefas sustained a gunshot wound during the attack and was initially treated at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Wukari, before rushing her to Abuja for further treatment.
“Her condition was stabilised before she was airlifted to Abuja for further medical attention,” he added.
The council chairman called on residents to remain calm and assured them that efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The Taraba State Police Command also confirmed the incident, through its Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdullahi.
He stated that the attack was reported as an armed robbery.
He, however, did not confirm if the victims were related to the governor.
According to the police spokesperson, one of the occupants of the vehicle sustained gunshot injuries.
Paul Okugbowa, the proprietor of Calvary Crown Academy in Benin City, has been sentenced to six months in prison for publicly calling the mother of one of his pupils a prostitute.
Chief Magistrate Caroline Oghuma delivered the verdict and also sentenced three teachers from the school to varying prison terms for negligence.
The four defendants were arraigned on charges under Sections 167(2), 412, 270, 412, and 267 of the Criminal Laws of Edo 2022.
In her ruling, Magistrate Oghuma offered Okugbowa the option of paying a fine of N100,000 as an alternative to imprisonment.
The three teachers—Blessing Osarodion, Egharevba Esosa, and Isioma Nimen—were found guilty of negligence for abandoning two pupils in their care.
Osarodion and Esosa were sentenced to one year in prison or a N100,000 fine for two counts of negligence, which resulted in the injury of a 6-year-old pupil, Salma Aigbudu.
Nimen was sentenced to three months in prison or a fine of N50,000 for unlawfully abandoning another pupil, Zuri Aigbudu.
The incident that led to Okugbowa’s conviction took place on September 8, 2023, at the AIG Zone 5 headquarters in Benin City.
Okugbowa was accused of publicly calling Mrs. Blessing Aigbudu, the mother of the two pupils, a prostitute in front of her husband and onlookers, causing a disturbance.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has tasked media practitioners in the South-East on responsible and balanced reporting on operations and activities of the Nigerian Army.
Oluyede gave the task in Enugu on Thursday in an address at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Quarterly Media Chat for the Fourth Quarter of 2024, with the theme: “Military and Media Relationship: A Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development”.
The COAS, represented by Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, noted the need to strengthen collaboration and create opportunities for open dialogue between the Nigerian Army and the media.
According to him, these open dialogues are essential requirements for robust and mutually beneficial relationship.
He said that establishing regular communication channels would enable transparent reporting on military operations, timely dissemination of information, and help counter misinformation effectively.
He said, “I urge media practitioners to prioritise accuracy and fairness in reporting on Nigerian Army activities and balancing the public’s right to information with national security considerations.
“It is also crucial to avoid spreading misinformation or content that could jeopardise national unity and security. Through collaboration, we can enhance, public understanding, build trust and contribute to the greater good of our nation.
“This partnership should extend beyond conflict reporting to include national development and community engagement. Ok
“By highlighting initiatives that improve the lives of citizens, we can promote a united front against violent armed groups and distractions from nation-building.”
The COAS revealed that Nigerian Army had been intensifying operations across various regions to address the complex security challenges the nation currently faces.
“I am pleased to report significant successes, including the neutralisation of terrorists, the rescue of abducted citizens and restoring socio-economic activities in affected communities.
“As we continue these operations, I call on all Nigerians to support the Army and urge the media to maintain responsible and balanced reporting.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to fostering a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the media, essential for safeguarding our territorial integrity and advancing national development,” he said.
Speaking, the Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation, Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, appreciated the COAS and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for supporting and funding the media chat to build a robust understand between the Nigerian Army and media.
Ugbo also thanked the media practitioners and executives for taking out time to relate with the Nigerian Army and proffering solutions to localised security challenges.
The Special Guest of Honour to the event, Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Newspaper, Mr Toke Ibru, noted that the media chat and its theme were apt to create accessibility of the public especially media to get correct information and drive away misinformation.
“The event will also enable the Nigerian Army understand how the media functions, including its challenges and pressures; and through this means better the relationship,” Ibru said.
Maj,-Gen. Godwin Umelo (retired), in a lecture titled: “Enhancing National Security through Whole of Society Approach: Effective Information Management in Perspective”, said that the people must get involved in the security of their neighbourhoods and communities.
“Security is everybody’s business in the society and we needed to give security agencies especially the Nigerian Army all the support in terms of actionable information to respond to security threats on time,” Umelo said.
Gunmen attack mother, sister of Taraba Gov
School Proprietor jailed six months for calling parent a prostitute
COAS tasks media practitioners on responsible, balanced reporting
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