The Nation Newspaper

Tag: TRAIN

  • Architect dies as train runs over his legs

    Architect dies as train runs over his legs

    A fast moving train yesterday crushed a man to death at Cappa near Oshodi in Lagos.

    The deceased described as an architect, it was learnt, was on his way to his office at 17, Esther Osiyemi Street in Ilupeju, Lagos.

     A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who was inside the train, said the man was standing on the rail track oblivious of the fast approaching train.

    The Abeokuta-Lagos-bound mass transit train was leaving its Oshodi station for Mushin when the accident occurred.

    The train driver was said to have hooted repeatedly as he approached the railway crossing at Ilupeju Bye-pass for clearance of the track.

    According to the eyewitness, the victim, who had his earphone on, was apparently carried away with what he was doing.

    “Obviously the man was not aware of the approaching train even as it blasted its horn, perhaps because of the earphone. Before he knew it, he was already hit by the train and was not given any chance to escape.

    “Immediately he was hit, the body was mangled as the train dragged it along,’’ the eyewitness said.

    Bystanders raised their hands over their heads in pity for the victim.

    “The man has suddenly and unwittingly lost his life to sheer carelessness,’’ a passenger said.

    Another eyewitness said the victim whose name was simply given as Smith just alighted from a commuter bus and wanted to cross the rail line.

    “As he made attempt to cross the track, some guys tried to stop him but thinking they wanted to rob him, he shrugged himself off but sadly as he tried to turn, the train smashed his legs,” the witness said.

    It was gathered that Smith has died before an ambulance came to take his body.

    Another eyewitness who identified himself as Semiu said the victim was probably lost in thought when the accident occured.

    Semiu said: “I work opposite his office. When his colleagues heard about his death, they all closed for the day. His death is really a great loss. He was a gentle man and he didn’t talk much.”

    Smith, it was gathered had just wedded and had an eight-month-old child.

    According to NAN, it was not the first time a moving train would crush to death people standing on the rail track.

    A woman was killed at Shogunle GRA railway crossing in 2006 another person was killed in 2007 at Oshodi.

  • Lagos: Train crushes man to death

    Lagos: Train crushes man to death

    An unidentified young man with earphone on was, Wednesday killed by a passenger train at Cappa area of Oshodi, Lagos.

    A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who was inside the train reports that the man was standing on the rail track oblivious of the fast approaching train.

    The NAN correspondent reports that the Ogun-Lagos-bound mass transit train was leaving its Oshodi station to Mushin when the accident occurred.

    The train had as usual, sounded its horn repeatedly as it was approaching the railway crossing at Ilupeju Bye-pass for clearance of its track.

    According to an eyewitness, the man who had his earphone on was apparently carried away with either the call he was receiving or listening to music.

    “Obviously the man was not aware of the approaching train even as it blasted its horn, perhaps because of the earphone.

    “Before he knew it, he was already hit by the train and was not given any chance to escape.

    “Immediately he was hit, the body was mangled as the train dragged it underneath,’’ the eyewitness said.

    NAN reports that people standing by the rail track that saw the incident raised their hands over their heads in a show of pity for the deceased.

    “The man has suddenly and unwittingly lost his life to sheer carelessness,’’ a passenger said.

    NAN reports that it was not the first time a moving train would crush to death people standing on the rail track because of having their earphones on.

    Among them was a lady in 2006, killed at Shogunle GRA railway crossing, while another one was killed in 2007 at Oshodi.

     

  • Nasarawa to train in Kano or Enugu

    Nasarawa to train in Kano or Enugu

    Nasarawa united are to head for a 10-day pre-season conditioning camp in either Kano or Enugu this week.

    Club chairman Isaac Danladi made the disclosure to AfricanFootball.com.

    “We have concluded for the team to embark on a 10-day training tour in either Kano or Enugu,” Danladi said.

    “Last season we realised that the team had their best away results on artificial turf. And as such we have decided that since most of the league venues are with artificial turfs, we should have our pre-season on artificial turf hence the decision to go to either Kano or Enugu.”

    Nasarawa United, who placed fifth last season, begin their 2014/2015 season with an away game against El Kanemi Warriors.  The league will begin on March 7.

  • Train to link 36 state capitals, says Jonathan

    Train to link 36 state capitals, says Jonathan

    The ongoing transformation in the railway sub-sector would not stop until the nation’s 36 state capitals are linked by railway, President Goodluck Jonathan has said.

    Speaking in London at the just concluded 17th meeting of the Honorary International Investment Council (HIIC) the President said the nationwide coverage of the rail network will boost the economy and reduce the pressure on the nation’s roads and highways.

    Speaking on the theme: Rail Transportation, the President acknowledged that no meaningful development can take place without addressing the railway.

    He said with adequate rail coverage, roads and highways would be better maintained as the pressure on them as the only mode of transportation would be reduced.

    He said: “If we do not link state capitals by rail, our roads will not last.’’

    On upgrade and expansion of the nation’s road infrastructure, the President said, “we cannot mould the economy without good roads.

    “Quite a number of companies still construct roads to their sites. This is not supposed to be so. We are committed to addressing this, we have been working hard and we have improved our road networks significantly.’’

    He assured that all federal roads networks will be resurfaced within the next three years.

    “We intend to construct new ones that we consider as very critical, especially one that would link up Port Harcourt city and Bonny the major gas exporting terminal of our country,” Jonathan said.

    The President also informed of government’s commitment to securing the nation’s air space and improving the quality of airport terminal buildings.

    Jonathan assured that government was determined to end security challenge facing the country.

    The HIIC Coordinator Baroness Lynda Chalker, said the organisation since inception had focused on various sectors of the economy.

    “This 17th meeting will focus on rail transportation given its critical role to the economy,” she said.

    She said positive news about Nigeria was over-shadowed by what is happening now. “We must work together to project Nigeria’s positive news and achievements because it is not in anybody’s interest to run Nigeria down,” she said.

    The Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other topics discussed included opportunities and reforms in the power and construction sectors.

    The Ministers of Transportation, Power, Works, Aviation Finance, National Planning, Trade and Investment as well as Defence made presentations.

    The HIIC, made up of prominent investors around the world, advises governments on economic development.

    The areas of the HIIC’s partnership with Nigeria include reduction of corruption, attracting foreign direct investment and promoting private sector driven economy.

  • Eagles train under floodlight

    Eagles train under floodlight

    Super Eagles were made to play the latter part of their training session under floodlight at the mainbowl of the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar on Thursday.

    Nigerian side will face Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Saturday.

    The match between the Super Eagles and Red Devils of Congo has been fixed for 5: pm on Saturday in accordance with FIFA directive.

    The team started their training under a bright weather condition on Thursday evening but the light at the stadium was put on towards the end of the training session.

    SportingLife gathered that the stadium management put the light on in anticipation of what might happen on Saturday during the match.

    The light was put off as soon as the team left the stadium.

    Heavy rains have been of concern in Calabar, with the organisers taking all possible measure to host a successful match this weekend.

    Meanwhile, Super Eagles trained with twenty two players yesterday as the El Kanemi Warriors goalkeeper David Obiozor finally joined the rest of the squad.

    Obiozor showed signs that he was a  good addition  as he made several saves to the delight of the fans at the stadium that came to cheer the Eagles.

    The El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri goalkeeper trained with the other two goalkeepers in camp Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim under the watchful eyes of goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu.

  • Volunteers, others train in Lagos

    Volunteers, others train in Lagos

    Scores of volunteers, health and environmental workers have begun training in Lagos State to avert the spread of the Ebola Virus Diseases (EVD).

    Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, addressed participants at the training at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

    He said the training showed the government’s commitment to ensure that the disease was prevented from spreading.

    He said  health workers and volunteers from the 57 Local Government and Local   Council Development Areas are being trained by the government on how to handle possible cases, while adding  that government would not hesitate to  invoke any relevant section of the laws on anyone who flouts the environmental laws.

    The commissioner also warned residents to desist from unsafe and unhealthy practises so as not to contract the deadly EVD, urging them not to attempt hiding person with suspected symptoms of Ebola Virus Diseases as government has the right to quarantine or isolate such person so as to prevent the diseases from spreading.

  • Huawei to train 10,000 youths in Nigeria, others

    Chinese telecoms equipment vendor, Huawei, has promised to train 10,000 youths in Nigeria and other African countries over the next five years, saying the future of the continent lies in arming the youth with the requisite information communication technology (ICT) skills.

    Its Global Vice President, Mr. Charles Ding, said this is a further demonstration of the commitment of the firm to the continent and strengthening of the bond between China and Africa.

    He said: “Huawei is committed to developing its business in Africa where our commitment will create mutually beneficial opportunities and win-win outcomes. Africa and China have enjoyed a strong relationship that has seen extensive cooperation in political, economic, and cultural areas. Africa has an open and inclusive approach to international trade relations, which has created a sound business environment for Huawei’s development in the region.

    “Huawei considers Africa to be one of its most important strategic growth markets. By localising our operations, we can better understand the needs of the market and improve our overall capabilities. We’re proud to have an opportunity to play an important role in Africa’s modernisation. We are also committed to creating more jobs; promote ICT industry growth and development in Africa.”

    The presentation made by the firm at the The World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, on Forging inclusive growth, creating jobs  showed that the firm employs over 7,100 staff in Africa and also created 12,000 jobs through procurement and outsourcing services.

    Ding said the future development of ICT industry is predicated on factors such as planning and innovative technologies.

    He said: “The future development of the ICT industry is reliant, including, effective planning, innovative technologies, and sufficient investment. The successful implementation of these three strands will improve the competitiveness of the industry and promote the development of the digital economy.

    “Huawei is committed to our work in Africa and to our support of public and private stakeholders. We are confident that the future of the industry in Africa holds many opportunities and we will continue to increase our investment in the region and play a more active role in reshaping society through ICT.”

  • Dangote to train building material dealers

    Dangote to train building material dealers

    •SON hails firm

    Nigeria’s foremost cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement, has expressed its willingness to partner members of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association (LSBA) to eliminate the spate of collapsed building in Lagos.

    The company has also collaborated with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to train building material dealers in Benin, the Edo State capital.

    The Regional Manager for Marketing Services of Dangote Cement Plc, Johnson Olaniyi, spoke on the partnership at the inauguration of the new executives of LSBA in Lagos State.

    He said the company’s new product, Dangote 3X Cement, was developed to enable builders build with peace of mind.

    According to him, the new 42.5 3X cement is quick setting and comes with more strength than other brands in the market.

    Highlighting the advantages of the new Dangote 3X Cement and other brands in the market, Olaniyi said: “The 3x is an acronym for more profit to all users of cement while allowing the builders to build with peace of mind. The product comes with more yield, more strength and more life.”

    The regional manager promised Dangote Cement’s willingness to partner the union’s new executive, led by Abel Kayode, to train new bricklayers and retrain old hands to adapt to modern standards in bricklaying.

    The training, he said, would reduce the spate of building collapse in Lagos State.

    Olaniyi said Dangote Cement would provide the bricklayers with basic tools to enable them do their jobs more efficiently.

    He advised interested members to become distributors of Dangote Cement.

    Kayode hailed Dangote Cement for sponsoring the inauguration of his executive.

    The union leader promised to work with the cement company to eliminate building collapse.

    Also, the Edo/Delta zonal office of the SON has hailed Dangote Cement for partnering the agency in training members of the Cement, Iron and Asbestos Free Products Dealers Association (CRADA) in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    SON’s Head for Edo/Delta, Mr. O. I. Akogun, spoke at a seminar for CRADA members.

    He noted that though several organisations were approached to sponsor the training, only Dangote Cement responded.

    The SON official praised the company for introducing the new 3X cement.

    He urged participants to buy the products because they had been approved by SON.

    Dangote Cement’s representative Johnson Olaniyi said the company’s sponsorship of the seminar was part of its strategy to collaborate with stakeholders to promote standardisation of the building and construction industry.

    He said CRADA members formed a vital link in the distribution network of Dangote Cement.

    The company chief promised that all their demands would be met.

    About 300 dealers attended the training.

  • Train, thy name is nostalgia

    Train, thy name is nostalgia

    Olayinka Oyegbile who was in Norway goes down memory lane after a two-hour train ride

    MY flight from Amsterdam, The Netherlands, landed in Oslo, Norway about two hours before I was due to board the train to Lillehammer where the conference on Investigative Journalism which I was attending was to hold. The organisers in several emails to me prior to my arrival had said all delegates would be met at the airport where train tickets would be issued. As I walked out of the crowded arrival hall I saw a stand which I approached to get my ticket. After that I was directed to a doorway which led downstairs to the train station.

    At the train station the weather was cold. Perhaps this was responsible for its been deserted too. There was still about two hours before the train arrives. I took a novel out of my bag and settled down in a corner to read. After about thirty minutes I noticed I was still the only one in the station. At this point I began to wonder whether I’d missed my way. However, looking at the electronic board in the station, it showed that I was right. I decided to wait further. Thirty minutes crept into one hour, and one added a quarter of an hour. Few minutes to the arrival time of the train I noticed that the deserted station was getting livelier as more passengers began to troop in. Apparently, most of them had decided to stay put in the airport lobby which was warm than come to the station to wait for the long two hours in the cold. I’d learnt my first lesson.

    First lesson

    Shortly after a bell chimed in the distance and the train sneaked into the station. Yes, it sneaked in. It was to me a surprise that a train would appear in a station without noise and hullabaloo. The picture that first came to my mind was the kind of flurry and noise that usually accompany the arrival of trains in Lagos, especially in Oshodi where the tracks have been turned to bursting and bustling market places! There was no rushing, all passengers filed in quietly and sat down without any hassles.

    The first thought that came to my mind as I sat in the train was my secondary school days when I used to board train from the north to the south at the beginning and end of any school session. It was at this point that I began to get angry at the manner our leaders have led this country into ruins. In those days a train ride to school was one thing we used to enjoy. The train, apart from transporting people was also used to transport goods. I then remember those trains which had ‘Goods Only’ boldly written on their hoods and how our train from time to time met such at train stations from Jos to Minna, Jebba and several other small villages along the train tracks. It was from these journeys that one came across a lot of villages and hamlets that developed based on the level of commercial activities that were generated by the presence of train stations there.

    The train in Norway is powered by electricity and so it is fast and moves very quietly. It’s not like the noisy engines that pollute the environment that we have around here. It is so sad that almost fifty years ago after the colonial masters left the shores of Nigeria, not a single track had been added to the ones left by them. In fact, rather than maintain the ones left we have today vandalised them and made the tracks dangerous to put any engine to run on them. The two hour ride from Oslo airport to Lillehammer was so stress free that it could have been a flight in the air!

    As the train raced across the Norwegian countryside I remembered the same sceneries that used to fly past me in the train when I’m returning to school in those days. And I began to wonder why we are the way we are? In most airports of the world today train stations are built into the airport so as to make arrivals and departures from airports easy and less prone to dangers. But what do we have here? A so called modern airport as we have in Abuja does not have a train station. Although someone might want to explain it away by saying it is in the master plan. But the question is why complete an airport and begin to use before you build the train line? Is there anything wrong in doing the two together? The Oslo airport, I gathered was solely built for the 1994 Olympics Games which the country hosted, so why didn’t they just build the airport and leave the train station for later? The truth is that our leaders junket from one corner of the world to the other without coming back home to replicate the good facilities and things they see there. Norway is an oil producing country which is using its oil wealth sensibly and has not in any way neglected its agriculture nor dairies.

    In Nigeria, because we have oil, agriculture and the abundant fishes in the oceans and rivers donning the country have been relegated to the backwoods. We have failed to improve on nor maintain the legacies of colonialism as represented by the train. What story will my children tell about train? That they saw it in books and films? We have been short changed. As I prepared to leave Norway after a week-long stay, I felt sad. Not because I was going back home, far from that; I am a staunch believer and practitioner of the dictum that “there’s no place like home”! My sadness arose from the fact that I am going back to a country that is regressing while others are progressing. The more I travel either in Europe, America or even in Asia, which is erroneously categorised as a so-called Third World with Nigeria, I get angry. Angry at the philistines who wield power in my country, not for the good of the public but for their own selfish aggrandisement!

     

    This piece was first published in TELL Magazine in February 2009.

  • Ihedioha to train 160 youths in skill acquisition

    One hundred and sixty youths from Imo State will benefit from a special empowerment programme sponsored by the House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, in partnership with the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), through the institution’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Study.

    Ihedioha, who said the empowerment programme was captured in last year’s budget for his constituents, through training and research development programme, noted that he went beyond the Federal Government’s approved number of 100 youths to train 160.

    The beneficiaries to be drawn from across youth organisations in Aboh Mbaise/Ngor-Okpala, would undergo a four-day training, which begins on January 28.

    Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Sir Bright Nwelue, the Deputy Speaker said he took the challenge to ensure that the training and resource development for youths was accommodated in last year’s budget.

    He hailed FUTO’s management for accepting to host the training, which he said is part of his constituency projects.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Cyril Asiabaka, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Francis Ezeh, lauded Ihedioha for his innovation, which he said “would not only give the youth fish but also teach them how to fish”.

    He said programmes in the university had been coupled in technology with a well-developed centre for entrepreneurship studies now in place.

    Prof. Asiabaka said: “If youths are not empowered, we will run the risk of not resting. FUTO has been in the business of manpower development for some time.”

    The Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies, Prof. Nathanial Nwaezeaku, said the centre would impart entrepreneurial skill to youths.

    He said they would be trained in technical and management skills, such as the production of liquid detergent, disinfectant, odour control and cement production, among others.