News
Rivers Monorail Begins Train Service, Oct …Test Run Starts March
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (middle), inaugurating the pensioners Call Centre in Abuja on Thursday. With her are: Director-General, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, Mrs Nellie Mayshak (left); Director, Pensioner Support, Mrs Roz Ben-Okagbue (2nd left); representative of the President, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Mr Musa Dallato (2nd right) and Director-General, Budget Office, Dr Bright Okogu (right).
The Rivers State Monorial project is to commence full train transport services by October, 2015.
A technical consultant to the Rivers State Government on the Monorail project, Engr. Calvgn Scholtz, who disclosed this while conducting the Monorail stakeholders comprising officials of the Rivers State Ministries of health, Information and Communications, and Transport round the project, also said that the company would commence the test run of its 172 – capacity train currently in place in the next one week.
Engr Scholtz, who is a railway engineer, also described the Rivers State Monorail project as one of the best in the world, stressing that the vision, of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in the inauguration of the project must not be allowed to die.
He said that the completion of the second phase of the project, which runs from the UTC to Waterlines Junction would lead to the decongestion of Port Harcourt of the Chaotic traffic situation.
Engr. Scholtz said that the second phase of the project, which would be double track, would increase business opportunities in the city of Port Harcourt, thereby creating thousands of job opportunities for the people.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Sam Woka, described the project as a tourism magnate, noting that the completion of the project would lead to the influx of tourists into the city of Port Harcourt.
Woka further said that the Monorail project would enhance the security of the state, while the transportation of goods and services across the city would be boosted.
The Permanent Secretary also said that the skepticism which arose as a result of the project has gradually reduced as people now see the structures on ground.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of transport, Mr. Muka Nadum Nwikpasi, said that the project would meet the basic needs of the people in terms of transportation.
Nwikpasi said that the project would be continued by next government as it would go a long way to reduce traffic congestion in the city.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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