News
Amaechi claims Nigeria is in dire need of drones, helicopters to tackle insecurity on rail track
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has said Monday’s terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna rail route would have been averted if there were drones and helicopters to carry out surveillance along the corridor.
This is even as the Minister said the Ministry of Transportation has made presentation to the federal government for the procurement of security equipment, regretting however that the Ministry was yet to get approval.
Amaechi stated these on Tuesday while leading top officials of the Ministry on an inspection of the scene of the incident.
Addressing newsmen, a visibly worried Amaechi said, “we need helicopters and drones. We are thinking about the possibility of employing natives until we get that equipment.
“We have not been able to install security sensors because the procurement process is a bit difficult. It is typical of Nigerians.
“The process is tedious, the approval is also tedious. We have not been able to get the approval that will lead to the purchase of those items.
“If those items were here, drones alone will tell you that there are people around the rail tracks. There are equipment that picks sensors if you touch the track, but unfortunately, the process has not been able to get us that approval for us to import those items.
“The cameras in the train cannot pick what is happening outside. What you need is a camera that shows 100 metres away from the train. We have done all we need to do in the Ministry of Transportation and we have forwarded it to them for approval but we have not gotten approval.
“The equipment we lost will cost about N3bn and we are about to place order for the ones in Lagos.”
Amaechi warned of the dangers to come if security devices were not urgently procured to save lives on rail routes across the country.
“Even if they get us approval, it will take some months to acquire them from overseas, to install them. We need to do that to enable us see from Kaduna-Abuja, Itakpe-Warri, and from Lagos-Ibadan what is going on so that we don’t continue to lose lives because lives are important. If we had gotten the approval, we would have saved the N3billion and saved lives.”
While affirming the death of eight persons as a result of the attack, Amaechi said it is difficult to tell the number of missing persons, saying, “we don’t have all the figures of missing persons, kidnapped and those injured at the moment.
“The numbers we have is that there are eight casualties. There are 25 persons in the hospital and the total number of passengers are 398. So, we have to wait. The security agency, the Kaduna state government, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation are all trying to make contact with those on the manifest.
“There are few persons who are not on the manifest like the staff of the NRC, staff of the cleaning contractor. They are not on the manifest and we may not be able to completely account for them but for those on the manifest, calls are being made to reach them.”
Coming short of asking citizens to understand the situation, the Minister added, “I am devastated and I honestly don’t know what to tell Nigerians anymore.”
Also speaking, Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Engr. Fidel Okhiria said
“it is a very sad and unfortunate situation we have at our hands. Right from time when these things started happening on the roads, the only succour our people had were the trains.”
He urged the people to help the NRC identify criminals bent on wrecking havoc on innocent Nigerians using rail transportation system as their preferred mode of transport.
Following Monday night’s attack on a Kaduna-bound train by terrorists which left about eight people dead, the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC has suspended services on the Abuja-Kaduna train corridor till further notice.
In a post on its official Twitter handle, @official_NRC, the corporation noted: “Dear passengers, due to unforeseen circumstances, train operation along the Abuja-Kaduna route has been temporarily suspended. Further communication would be given in due course.”
Discover “ṢÓ O GBỌ́LÙ”, an interactive program by Prince Adewale Laoye that showcases the cultural ties between Yoruba drums and language
Prince Adewale Laoye has unveiled an innovative online programme, **“ṢÓ O GBỌ́LÙ”**, aimed at preserving Yoruba cultural heritage by spotlighting the unique connection between the Yoruba language and traditional drums, particularly the Dundun, or talking drum.
This initiative highlights how Yoruba drums replicate speech through tonal patterns, a feature intrinsic to the Yoruba language. “Our drums, especially the Dundun, perfectly imitate Yoruba tones.
They are not just instruments but vital communication tools,” explained Prince Laoye, a respected cultural advocate.
The Dundun drum, central to the programme, is celebrated for its ability to convey messages woven into Yoruba proverbs and idioms.
The programme’s goal is to inspire renewed interest in Yoruba heritage by blending music, language, and education.
**Interactive Features of “ṢÓ O GBỌ́LÙ”**
Participants can access episodes on Aafin Ilu’s social media pages and YouTube channel, engaging with content that challenges them to interpret the drum’s tonal messages. Special prizes await those who decode the speech patterns correctly.
Typical questions posed include:
– “Can you hear the speech of Ayan (the drummer)?”
– “Do you understand the drum’s language?”
– “Can you interpret Yoruba proverbs conveyed through drum tones?”
Prince Laoye views this programme as a cultural revival movement. “So o gbo’lu is more than a programme; it’s a call to action. Let’s celebrate and preserve Yoruba culture together,” he said.
**How to Get Involved**
The programme is open to anyone keen on exploring Yoruba traditions. Episodes are regularly released on Aafin Ilu’s platforms.
Followers can directly engage by answering questions and decoding drum messages, fostering a fun and educational experience.
For updates and participation, follow Aafin Ilu on social media or subscribe to their YouTube channel.
Joseph Aloba, father of late singer Mohbad, reveals his life improved significantly after his son’s passing, attributing it to divine help
Joseph Aloba, the father of late Nigerian singer Mohbad, has shared how his life has seen a remarkable improvement since the tragic passing of his son in September last year.
Speaking in an interview with media personality Akin Abolade, Aloba expressed gratitude for the unexpected blessings he has received, which he credits to the combined influence of Mohbad’s spirit and God.
In the emotional interview, Aloba revealed that Mohbad had made significant plans to support him, but these ambitions remained unfulfilled due to unforeseen circumstances before the singer’s untimely death.
However, he stated that since Mohbad’s passing, he has experienced an outpouring of support from well-wishers who have provided him with essential items, including a car.
“Let me just say yes, my life got better after Mohbad’s death because he is my friend. He had it in plan to do many things for me, but they didn’t allow him to do them,” Aloba explained.
“After his death, it was the spirit of Mohbad, and that of God combined together that began to send people to assist me. Even the car and everything I have now, it was people that gave them to me, and it is beyond ordinary.”
Reflecting further, Aloba noted that the assistance he now receives mirrors the intentions his son had for him. He added, “Those were the things he was meant to be doing for me, but they didn’t allow him to do them.”
The late Mohbad, born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, passed away under mysterious circumstances in September 2024, leaving fans and the Nigerian music industry in mourning. Investigations into the cause of his death remain ongoing, with many still seeking answers.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo ends the controversial tax clearance policy, ensuring students’ education rights remain protected
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has ordered an immediate halt to the policy requiring parents to present Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC) for their children’s enrollment in state-owned tertiary institutions.
This decision follows public outcry and protests led by civil society groups, who argued that the policy infringed upon the right to education.
Announcing the directive during a media briefing in Lokoja, the Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Alhaji Sule Enehe, stated that the move reflects the governor’s commitment to accessible education.
“The governor responded swiftly to public concerns, emphasizing that education must remain accessible to all Kogi State students,” said Enehe.
The policy, introduced to encourage tax compliance, drew criticism for potentially denying access to education for students whose parents were unable to provide TCCs.
With the directive now revoked, students can register and gain admission without the previously mandated requirement.
Enehe, however, reminded residents of their constitutional duty to pay taxes, noting that non-compliance could restrict access to benefits such as bursary allowances.
He added, “Parents must play their part by paying taxes to support state education and other social amenities.”
Highlighting further reforms, Enehe disclosed that KGIRS has ramped up efforts to eliminate illegal tax practices. Since the crackdown began, 43 illegal tax collectors have been prosecuted, while several corrupt staff members have been dismissed.
To streamline operations, the revenue service has digitised tax payment systems, allowing individuals and businesses to fulfil their obligations more efficiently.
KGIRS reported steady revenue growth in recent years, with collections rising from ₦17 billion in 2021 to ₦27.7 billion in 2024.
The service has set an ambitious target of ₦35.1 billion for 2025, aiming to sustain the state’s developmental initiatives.
Governor Ododo’s administration continues to prioritise education, as seen in the establishment of three state-owned universities.
The governor’s directive aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational access for Kogi State students.
This decisive action signals the government’s resolve to balance tax compliance with the constitutional right to education, fostering both development and inclusivity.
Yoruba heritage revived: Prince Adewale Laoye launches “ṢÓ O GBỌ́LÙ” online program
Osun West APC leaders push for governorship ticket in 2026
Father of late singer Mohbad credits improved life to divine, spiritual assistance
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