His name is Wan Gang. He is a 66 years old retired Chinese bureaucrat and an expert on automobiles.

To his credit, he pushed China to leapfrog the West in the manufacture of electric vehicles.

About 20 years ago, Wan Gang persuaded China’s State Council to throw its vast power behind the risky, unproven technology of electric cars.

He advocated using government money, including subsidies, to help create a world champion industry that would surpass Western automakers.

Elon Musk made a name for himself promoting new-energy vehicles, but when the history of the electric car is finally written, Wan may loom larger.

“He’s the father of China’s electric-vehicle industry,” said Levi Tillemann, a former U.S. Department of Energy adviser and author of “The Great Race: The Global Quest for the Car of the Future.” “Without Wan Gang, it’s unlikely China would have pushed to surpass the West. That was his big idea.”

Long before becoming the nation’s top futurist, Wan suffered through the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s, China’s great leap backward for science and technology. Sent from Shanghai to a remote village near North Korea at age 16 to learn values from peasants, he spent his days repairing the town’s smoke-belching tractor and building its electricity grid from scratch, according to the state-run People’s Daily and author Lisa Margonelli, who interviewed Wan.

One of the lucky few of his generation to attend college, Wan was admitted to a Ph.D. program in mechanical engineering at Clausthal University of Technology in Germany.

When he graduated in 1991, job offers came from all the big German carmakers, but he picked Audi because it was the smallest and provided the best chances for promotion.

Wan Gang is a former president of Tongji University (2002–2007) and the Minister of Science and Technology. He is also the Chairman of the China Zhi Gong Party, a legally sanctioned minor political party in China, and, since 2013 also Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, a mostly symbolic political advisory body.




Source:

https://autojosh.com/elon-musk-is-not-the-worlds-leading-electric-car-visionary-this-man-is-photos/

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Omoniyi Makun is better known by his brand name, Yomi Casual. He is a top fashion designer in Nigeria.

Yomi Casual is the last of 7 children and younger brother to ace comedian, Ayo Makun.

The Fashion Designing and Technology of Clothing graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo state, recently got himself a birthday gift of a new Lincoln Navigator SUV.

His brother, Ayo Makun, on Instagram, shared the news. He captioned the post thus:

@yomicasual this one is not casual ooooo. Congratulations bro. Always proud of you. Can i navigate this your Navigator MACHINE as my Christmas gift?





Source:

https://autojosh.com/fashion-designer-yomi-casual-acquires-a-new-lincoln-navigator-photos/

When the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, said “He who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual”, it appeared the American founding father had the Muhammadu Buhari administration in mind.

Otherwise, how else can one describe the completion of projects started by administration of Goodluck Jonathan by the present government without giving due credit?

From Abuja-Kaduna Railway, new terminal at Port Harcourt Airport, Abuja Light Rail project, commissioning of Air Force drone earlier launched by Jonathan as well as claiming credit for commissioning state projects in Lagos, Ogun, Zamfara, Cross River among others, the list is endless.

Thursday, December 20, 2018 witnessed the unveiling of one of such projects by President Muhammadu Buhari: the commissioning of the new International Terminal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.


Unknown to many people, the project was the brainchild of former Minister of Aviation and Senator currently representing Anambra North in the National Assembly, Stella Oduah. She served under the Jonathan administration.



As an insider, I can confirm that the former Minister spent sleepless nights to ensure that Nigeria’s airport terminals which became glorified bus stops had a facelift.

Her efforts paid off in 2012 when she obtained a concessionary loan from China Nexim Bank for the construction of five new international airport terminal buildings in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu.

It is instructive to note that Thursday’s commissioning of the new International Terminal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by President Buhari is one of the projects, of which concessionary loan was obtained for from China by the then Minister. Although the Chinese initially rejected Federal Government’s request, her efforts paid off after she made a presentation on the benefits of the projects.

The N106 billion approval by the Federal Government in 2012 also involved the construction of six other airports for perishable cargoes in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Asaba, bringing the total number of airports to 11.

The story was reported by Premium Times, Channels Television and other media organisations.

Also, the transformation of the nation’s aviation sector under Oduah’s watch witnessed the reconstruction of 11 airports in Nigeria namely: Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), Lagos; the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa; the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu; and the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

Others are Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar; Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos; the airports in Yola, Kaduna and Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri.



In an interview in 2017, Oduah had narrated how she took charge as Minister of Aviation, and started the immediate turn-around of the nation’s bus stop-like airports into those that meet international standards.


She said that when she assumed office as minister, she met decay and a huge gap in the industry, and that with the support of stakeholders, a master plan was developed as roadmap to grow the sector.

“Because we knew that aviation business is viable, whatever you spend it is recoverable, that gave us the impetus to develop the Aviation Master Plan.

“This master plan guided us on the A-Z of rehabilitating the aviation sector and we did our best with the resources that we had.

“I believe that today, if we still maintain that master plan, knowing that aviation is the catalyst for economic growth of any nation, the goals will still be accomplished.

“We started by looking at the impediments, one of which was the airspace – how to make it safe that it will be commercially viable.

“The same way for the terminals, where you board and where you sit; as much as we wanted it to be safe, we also wanted it to be comfortable.”

In the interview, Oduah went down memory lane to recall how many people could not use the rest rooms in the airports and how they looked like motor parks.

She added that based on the master plan, and with permission from then President Jonathan, she went all out to source for funds to reshape the aviation industry in Nigeria.

Without mincing words, the former minister said categorically: “Record has it that my achievements as the Aviation Minister are unbeatable till date.

“As the Minister of Aviation, I committed myself to the service of my country to the very best of my ability and as it is widely acknowledged, my record and performance as the Minister of Aviation remain laudable and unbeatable.

“What we did in aviation was so far reaching that it had never been done before, it was so unprecedented. If you remember how just Abuja airport used to be: one used to literally find it impossible to use the rest rooms there. To get into the lounge where people sit was impossible, most motor parks were better than what we had at the airport whether it is Lagos, Abuja, Sokoto.

“I challenge anybody to just do a spreadsheet; how aviation was before, How I made aviation and how aviation is today. In all honesty if the person does not give me 120 percent it means that they cannot add”.

Yet shockingly, she is being persecuted for doing the unprecedented; making Nigeria proud.

Credit: Joseph Omowale


Editor’s Note: Joseph Omowale, a public affairs analyst based in Abuja, writes on the newly commissioned Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, stressing that the project is the brain child of the Jonathan administration, highlighting with emphasis, the immense contribution of the former minister of aviation, Senator Stella Oduah.


https://autojosh.com/opinion-jonathan-oduah-unsung-heroes-of-new-airport-terminals/


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Apapa Wharf

Apapa Port, Lagos, Nigeria for long had the reputation as West Africa’s leading and busiest container port.

However, that reputation currently belongs to Togo’s  Lome port.

According to data from Dynamar, a Dutch maritime intelligence and consulting firm, this is largely as a result of implemented reforms, container traffic at the port of Lome. The port’s earnings has grown more than three-fold since 2013.

In contrast, things have stagnated at Nigeria largest port in Apapa, Lagos. The Apapa port has been plagued by a combination of decades of inefficiency and red-tape leaving room for corruption to thrive. Indeed, it is often far easier to pay intermediaries (sometimes in cahoots with customs officials) to clear goods at the port than to go through official processes.

The bottlenecks at the Apapa port caused slow port operations this often resulted in perpetual congestion.

Sadly, the inefficiency at the Apapa port  is coming at a significant price as container traffic to the port has dipped nearly 30% in the past five years, according to Dynamar.



Nigeria’s loss has proven to be Togo’s gain as the small West African nation doubles down on reform and investment plans to transform itself into a pivotal transit hub in the Gulf of Guinea.

In the past, the congestion in the Apapa port has been largely contained around the area in the past. However, its effects has now spilled over and cause a major strain on residents across Lagos.

Unable to access the congested port, 40-foot container trucks are backed up as far back as 10 kilometers in queues resulting in snaking lines across several commuter highways and bridges.




Source:

https://autojosh.com/togos-lome-port-overtakes-apapa-wharf-as-west-africas-leading-container-port/

It is just a few days to the end of the year.

Ostensibly, in order to commence the year on a fresh automotive slate, a number of Nigerian celebrities have recently taken delivery of new automobiles.

Indeed, the past few days have witnessed the announcement by some Nigeria celebs of their acquisition of new automobiles.

Hey! We wont be surprised if more similar announcements are made – even hours to the new year.

Anyway, as we count down to 2019, Autojosh.com highlights some celebs who have acquired for themselves new vehicles this festive season.

Enjoy the read.

Yemi Alade

In early December 2018, award-winning singer, Yemi Alade, took delivery of a new Toyota Tundra truck.

The artiste fondly referred to as “Mama Africa”, and known famously for her hit single “Johnny”, made the revelation on her Instagram account.





Kizz Daniels

Indeed, 2018 has being an amazing year for star musician Kizz Daniels.

The year featured for him not a few expensive acquisitions that included the ownership of real estates.

However, with just a few days to the end of the year, the star singer decided to cap it up with an icing on the cake: the acquisition of a Bentley Continental.

Kizz Daniel took to Instagram to showcase his latest automobile acquisition.





Bukky Olatunji

Nollywood actress Olatunji bukky first came to public attention when she featured on Tunde Kilani’s film, Arugba.

Ever since, she has appeared on several Nollywood projects.

The fast-rising actress celebrates her birthday on 26 December.

With just a few days to her birthday, she announced the acquisition of a new Ford SUV.



Bizzyaski

Bisola Ojikutu might not immediately strike a chord to many, but. “Bizzyaski” is a household name to lovers of tattoos and general body beautification in Nigeria.

Bizzyaski is arguably Nigeria’s most sought after Tatoo artist – especially among celebrities.

A few days ago, he announced a Christmas reward to himself of a Toyota car on his social media account.



Mompha

Businessman, Ismaila Mustapha, is an online sensation in Nigeria. The Dubai-based Bureau De Change operator known popularly as “Mompha” recently announced the purchase of a 2019 Mercedes G Wagon Biturbo Edition 1 2019. The vehicle is said to be worth N102million.

This latest acquisition is coming barely few months after he bought a Rolls Royce believed to be worth N150m.




E-Money

A few weeks ago, popular socialite, E-Money, made news when he acquired a brand new 2019 Rolls Royce Phantom for his wife, Juliet Okonkwo.

Just to a few days to Christmas, the Five Star Music boss, and a luxury car collector announced an addition to his incredible auto-collection of a similar 2019 Rolls Royce Phantom for himself.

Sharing photos of the new car, E-money wrote:

“What’s good for the Goose is good for the Gander ���

Double Blessings. #itistoolatetofail #wearetooloadedtobeempty #wehavegonetoofarwecantfailnomore”.



Burna Boy

Damini Ogulu is better known by his stage name Burna Boy. The Nigerian singer-songwriter is the grandson of Benson Idonije – the legendary broadcaster, music critic and the first band manager of Afrobeats musician Fela Kuti.

A few days ago, Burna Boy announced via an Instagram video a personal gift of a new Range Rover Sport.

[img]https://i1.wp.com/autojosh.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Burna-Boy-Range-Rover.jpg?zoom=1.125&resize=600%2C499&ssl=1[/img]


Davido

With just a few days to Christmas, Music star, Davido, hours ago, released a photo of his latest expensive acquisition – a Rolls Royce Cullinan.

The Cullinan is the first SUV from Rolls Royce.



Credit:

https://autojosh.com/8-celebrities-who-gifted-themselves-new-cars-for-christmas/

The North Americans call it the trunk.

The British call it the boot.

In Indian English, it is referred to as dickie.

In South-East Asia, it is popularly referred to as the compartment.

These are all terms used to refer to the place at the back of a vehicle for putting luggage in.

In Nigeria, where the British English language is adopted, it is more commonly referred to as the boot.

Some vehicles are known to have their boots located at the front end of the vehicle. However, it has become a de facto standard to have the boots located at the rear end of vehicles.

Sometimes, it appears that the manufacturer’s design capacity becomes inadequate for some drivers of these cars.

This can be illustrated by the photos below.















Source:

https://autojosh.com/see-what-happens-when-the-boot-of-a-car-becomes-inadequate-photos/

They are the umbrella bodies for commercial transporters in Nigeria. They include the National Union Of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Motorcycles Operators Association Of Lagos State (MOALS), Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), etc.

On paper, these unions were created to serve the interests of their members. However, the reality is the opposite: these unions only serve the interests of the Executives of these unions – and their political cronies.

These unions are specialists in unleashing terror on their members in order to extort all manner of dues and levies from them.

They recruit goons and thugs to extort strange and ridiculous levies from their reluctant members.


All manner of levies are obtained from commercial motorists. For instance, they are charged: “Owo booking (booking fee); “Owo chairman (chairman’s money); Owo ero (passengers fee); Owo olopa (police fee); Owo Lastma (Lastma fee)”, ‘Owo weekend”; ‘Owo task force, ‘Owo organizing,’ ; ‘Owo traffic,’; ‘Owo environmental’, the list is endless.

It is no news that the executives of these road transport unions are individuals of tremendous wealth. Many of them boast of flamboyant and expensive acquisitions, ownership of glamorous hotels, etc.

This explains why these executive positions in these unions are ferociously contested. Sometimes, their leaders are enthroned via violent military-styled coup.

Often, dues to their alignment with powerful political figures, they are given free hands to unleash terror on their members and the general public.

Indeed, it goes without saying – the road transport unions are a multibillion naira industry.

Interestingly, despite their huge revenues, there are no evidences that suggest that they contribute to the internally generated income of states that they operate in.

Despite their incredible multi-billion naira income, these road transport unions that benefits greatly from the roads they did not build don’t build roads, nor repair roads.

They also don’t clean roads. They do not buy vehicles for commercial vehicle operators. They do not stand as guarantors for drivers and riders when they need loans from lenders to purchase their vehicles, etc.

However, this often leaves one wondering: if these unions rake in billions from their activities on the roads that they didn’t build –how come they don’t support government efforts by building or repairing roads?

Since they benefit greatly from these roads, don’t you think these road transport unions should build, repair or at least clean roads?


Source:

https://autojosh.com/why-dont-road-transport-unions-build-or-repair-roads/

They were legendary Nigerian political leaders.

Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo both significantly contributed in charting the course of our collective national destiny. Essentially, they were nationalists and statesmen who played vital roles in Nigeria’s independence movement.

Individually, they were fondly referred to as “Zik” and “Awo” respectively.

These iconic characters also had one thing in common: they loved flamboyant automobiles.

During the peak of their political adventures, they traveled the length and breath of the country, attending political rallies and meetings. These top-of-the-range cars helped them in their journeys. These exceptional cars also contributed to their larger than life images.

See photos of the cars they owned at the peak of their national political journeys in the 50s and 70s.












Source:

https://autojosh.com/nnamdi-azikiwe-and-obafemi-awolowo-two-iconic-statesmen-and-their-cars/

In Lagos, Keke Marwa became very prevalent on roads after the ban on Okada activities in Lagos state.

They were considered a blessing – especially to those who plied routes that Okadas were prohibited from plying.

Sadly, Keke Marwa has become a terror on wheels on our roads.

Over time, Keke Marwa has degenerated into a terrible nightmare for road users in Lagos. They have become prime sources of trauma to commuters and other motorists.

These terror on the road have become notorious for reckless over-speeding, disobeying traffic rules and meandering through every available space between vehicles on snarled- up traffic situations,  leaving paint marks on other vehicles, etc. Clearly, Keke Marwa poses a great danger to the lives of those boarding it.



Some are wont to call for its outright ban. However, another school of thought believes a ban on Keke Marwa would lead Lagos state lead to a great traffic fiasco.

Indeed, Lagos state, with an incredible reputation for traffic gridlocks, is in a dilemma.

What do you think should be done to check the excesses of the Keke Marwa menace?












Source:

https://autojosh.com/keke-marwa-the-latest-menace-to-the-society/

Nigeria is ranked second-highest in the rate of road accidents among 193 countries of the world.

Aside from the Boko Haram crisis, accidents are currently by far the main cause of violent deaths in Nigeria.

Interestingly, some of these road mishaps are caused by carelessness on the part of truck and trailer drivers.

Daily, especially on interstate highways, lives are being brutally and wantonly cut short due to the unregulated activities of tanker and trailer drivers.

The amount of broken down truckers and trailers on highways ought to be a source of major concern to the authorities.





A majority of these heavy duty vehicles that ply interstate highways are rickety,  wobbly or in a terrific state of disrepair.

The worse culprits are the the flat-bed trucks  that are used in conveying freight containers. Most of them would not pass any criterion of road-worthiness.

Quite a number of these trucks do not have functional rear lamps, indicator lights, brake system, complete head light, C-caution signs and even registration number plate. All known safety and traffic regulations breached by these drivers.

Note that a good number of the trucks were procured in the late 70s and 80s . Thus, these set have no business being on the roads any longer as they have suffered gross depreciation, outlived their value and are meant for the scrap yard.

It is a common sight to see the drivers’ assistants armed with wooden wedges that are used to jolt them to a halt, especially when caught up in traffic snarl on steep terrains due to their mechanical deficiencies.

Indeed, the indiscriminate parking of trucks on the highways have caused unquantifiable loss of lives.

As the yuletide season approaches, Nigerians traveling by road, need to be very wary of these obnoxious and potentially fatal broken down trucks and other articulated vehicles.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS),  about 1,292 deaths were recorded from road accidents in the first quarter of 2018 in Nigeria.

Also according to the NBS report, an average of 14 deaths occurs from auto crashes every day in three months across Nigeria.













Source:

https://autojosh.com/see-one-danger-travelers-should-be-wary-of-on-interstate-highways-photos/

In 2006, the Lagos state government enacted the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) Law.

This law was designed to prevent and punish the act of defacing street surfaces by residents.

In order words, it is a crime to deface street surfaces with posters or any promotional material in Lagos state.

Today, tragically, road medians, bus stop shelters, street walls, junctions, etc., are literally littered with different political campaign posters. Each one attempts to outdo each other for visibility.




The offence of posting posters on street surfaces contravened Section 168 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised). The section prescribes a six months imprisonment or a fine of N90, 000 for offenders.

At the time, it was almost impossible to see a street or road in Lagos without an eyesore of a jumble of posters, or other advertising signs.

By law, even when the fines are paid, the offender loses the privilege to contest for a political positions due to their status as an ex-convict, not until after 10 years, when the conviction no longer counts.

The enforcement of this law is the function of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA).

LASAA spends millions of naira on advocacy meant to dissuade residents from posting posters indiscriminately.

Apparently, our politicians are above that law.





















Source: https://autojosh.com/see-the-criminals-that-need-your-votes-photos/

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The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a criminal as person who has committed a crime.

The same dictionary also defines a crime as an illegal act for which someone can be punished by the government.

In 2006, the Lagos state government enacted the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) Law.

This law was designed to prevent and punish the act of defacing street surfaces by residents.

In order words, it is a crime to deface street surfaces with posters or any promotional material in Lagos state.

Today, tragically, road medians, bus stop shelters, street walls, junctions, etc., are literally littered with different political campaign posters. Each one attempts to outdo each other for visibility.




The offence of posting posters on street surfaces contravened Section 168 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised). The section prescribes a six months imprisonment or a fine of N90, 000 for offenders.

At the time, it was almost impossible to see a street or road in Lagos without an eyesore of a jumble of posters, or other advertising signs.

By law, even when the fines are paid, the offender loses the privilege to contest for a political positions due to their status as an ex-convict, not until after 10 years, when the conviction no longer counts.

The enforcement of this law is the function of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA).

LASAA spends millions of naira on advocacy meant to dissuade residents from posting posters indiscriminately.

Apparently, our politicians are above that law.





















Source: https://autojosh.com/see-the-criminals-that-need-your-votes-photos/

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Image Credit: 1stdelightsomehouse

As ferry transportation becomes more accepted everyday in Nigeria, especially Lagos, its pertinent that those who want to make use of this means of transportation are aware of the safety procedures.

Here are some tips to keep you safe when transiting via a ferry .

1. When boarding don’t rush, be patient .

2. As the name implies, a life jacket is built to save your life.Please wear one, or don’t board at all.

3.Hold kids tight, don’t let them play around

4.Learn how to swim, especially if you are going to use this means of transportation frequently.

5.If the ferry looks and feels over crowded, its best to take an alternative means of transportation or wait for another ferry.

6.Remain seated always

7.If the weather is bad, or you see signs of possible rain fall, take an alternative means of transportation

Have you made use of this means of transportation ?. Kindly share your experience.

By Donald3d

https://autojosh.com/7-ferry-safety-tips-you-should-not-take-for-granted/

On Autojosh, we keep our word on your mobility being our priority. Mobility should always come with safety and peace in mind. This includes travelling within a state, country or even out of a country.

Today we would be ranking the top 20 safest/most peaceful countries in the world to travel to. This list is not compiled based on intuition or sentiments, its compiled based on the Global Peace Index, which takes into consideration several factors like a country’s number of jailed persons per 100,000 people, military strength, political instability, internal and external conflicts etc .

Let’s count down .

20. Mauritius

19.Bhutan

17. Hungary And Germany (They share the same score)

16.Norway

15.Finland

14.Sweden

13.Australia

12.Switzerland

11.Slovenia

10.Ireland

9.Japan

8.Singapore

7.Czech Republic

6.Canada

5.Denmark

4.Portugal

3.Austria

2.New Zealand

1.Iceland

Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world. In case you are curious about the position of countries like US, UK and our Nigeria:

US : 121

UK : 57

Nigeria: 148

Side note: Iran is ranked 131. So yes, it has gotten that bad, Iran is more peaceful than Nigeria .

Kindly share your thoughts .

https://autojosh.com/top-20-safest-countries-in-the-world-to-travel-to/

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We always do a pre-event announcement on our blog and Nairaland car talk section. Stay tuned to AutoJosh to know about upcoming events.

bknight:
Looks better than the ones held in Lagos and Ondo, I think.

Bikes are dope! Just plain dope. Getting me one next year

Autojosh, how can we get to know times & venues for these shows so we can plan ahead to attend.

I’d love to attend the next one

We always do a pre-event announcement on our blog and Nairaland car talk section. Stay tuned to AutoJosh to know about upcoming events.

izzou:


This kind thing dey happen and I no know?

Autojosh, what time of the year does this event hold?

Or is it just anytime of the year?


I must go the next one, God keeping me alive

The 2018 edition of the Motorsport Championship has come and gone.

The event will linger on for so long in the memories of participants and spectators that graced the auto-racing championship.

The weeklong auto fiesta featured events in 4 categories of races.

- The RoadX E30 Series. The RoadX championship final. The RoadX Race Series is a team based BMW E30/Mercedes Benz 190 car racing series.

- The Bikers Trophy – this category featured 600cc Super bikes.

- The Bikers Trophy - this category is for the 1,000cc Super bikes.

- The Super cars category.










Some of the motorsport teams that participated in the event include are 24-7 Racing, Rage Motorsport, African Elephant Racing, Team Work & Play, Fast Lane Motorsports, Dark Matter Racing, BKG Racing, Outdoor Racing, Inferno Racing, Throttle Heads Racing, 4va Racing, Ikenga Racing , amongst others.

Practice commenced on Wednesday 21st of November and the main race was on saturday 24th of Nov.

At the grand finale, the event started at 11 am with the RoadX E30 race. It ended at mid-night with an award ceremony and an after party.

The winners in the different categories are:


RoadX Race E30 Series.

Jack Affara – ThrottleHeads Racing
Robson Omatseye – Fastlane Motorsports
Babatunde Ladipo – BKG Racing


Final RoadX 2018 Championship for the E30 Series.

African Elephant Racing
Fastlane Motorsports
Outdoors Racing



The BT600cc Bike Category Podium

Ahmed “ALpacino” Mohammed – 24-7Racing
Ikhide “Blow” Izokpu – CC Racing
Aisha “FlyGirl” Vatsa – 24-7Racing


The BT 1000cc Bike Category Podium

Argo “Ice Volcano” Raak – 24-7Racing
JayDee – 24-7Racing
Armstrong “Teflon” Ngugu – Inferno Racing


Super Cars

Antonio Sandouk – Team Work & Play
Argo Raak
Robson Omatseye – Fastlane Motorsports


The annual Motorsport Championship takes place at Nigeria’s premier racetrack and testing facility, MotorSport Raceway, Evbuobanosa (MRE) in Edo state. The length of the track is 2.2 km.































Source:

https://autojosh.com/the-2018-edition-of-the-motorsport-championship-in-pictures-photos/

Photos from Autojosh and Rex1Photography

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(1.) Carter Bridge was first constructed in 1901.

(2.) It was the only bridge connecting the mainland and Lagos Island.

(3.) Currently, Carter Bridge is one of the three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland. The others are Third Mainland and Eko
bridges.

(4.) The bridge starts from Iddo on the mainland and ends at Idumota area of Lagos Island.



(5.) The bridge was named after Sir Gilbert Thomas Carter, a former Governor of the Colony of Lagos.

(6.) The bridge was expanded, upgraded and commissioned by the British colonial government on July 1958.

(7.) The construction firm, Borini Prono Nigeria Ltd., constructed the Carter Bridge.

(8.) After independence, the bridge was dismantled, redesigned and rebuilt during late 1970s. The construction method used requires that the beams have hollows.

(9.) The Alaka-Ijora flyover, on the Iddo end of the span was completed in 1973.

(10.) The parking of vehicles on the bridge has resulted in both severe road congestion in addition to contributing to its rapid deterioration.



(11.) In 2003, the Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers noted that the parking of vehicles along the span may result in collapse if left unaddressed.

(12.) In April 2006, the Lagos State Transport Commissioner announced that all commercial vehicles would be banned from entering Lagos Island by way of the Carter Bridge to keep buses and other vehicles from parking on the bridge.

(13.) Also in 2006, the Lagos State government instituted a ₦ 50,000 fine for persons parking their vehicles along the span.

(14.) In addition to congestion on the bridge, Carter was perceived as unsafe at night due to the lack of streetlights. In July 2013, Governor Fashola of Lagos State commissioned streetlights on Carter Bridge powered by an Independent Power Project. The project was conceptualized, designed and completed by the State's Electricity Board (www.lseb.gov.ng) using local components and technicians.

(15.) The Carter Bridge is an 11.8km bridge





https://autojosh.com/15-things-to-know-about-carter-bridge-in-lagos/

If a census of bulletproof cars were to be conducted, it would likely reveal that Nigeria has one of the highest around.
With over 110,000 bullet proof cars in use worldwide, our politicians and business executives have put Nigeria on the map of top markets for car armouring companies. These companies also got tonnes of demand from Nigerian before the 2015 election.

These cars are popular in Nigeria but many of us don’t recognise them. Some people don’t recognise them because the makers usually leave the external appearance unchanged. This is however a security measure which makes the cars look as inconspicuous as possible. I always wonder when people ask me “how did you know that’s a bullet proof car”? And I am like, can’t you see it written all over the ride?



See some clues below…

Windscreen and windows

In bulletproofing, the vehicle glass is referred to as “transparent armor.” It is a sandwich of polycarbonate (plastic) and leaded glass. This thick layered glass is the most obvious part that reveals the identity of bullet proof cars. Similarly, see pictures in this post.. and the windscreen and window edges will give you a clearer understanding of what the glass looks like. Can you now see the thick dark edges?

Run flat tyres

These tyres provide the ability to keep driving even if the tyres have been shot. Run flat tyres which is also used by conventional cars can help you travel an additional 100 kilometres before replacement. These tyres can be identified by their thick sidewalls and additional side bolstering which are wrapped around the tyres. The bolstering prevents the wheels from touching the ground when the tyres go flat.

Up-close, you’ll also see the RSC inscription on the car tyres. The RSC means Run-flat System Component. Furthermore, you could see other codes like SSR (Self Supporting Run Flat), EMT (ExtendedMobility Tyre), ZP (Zero Pressure), DSST (Dunlop Self Supporting Tyre) etc.. depending on the tyres that comes with the car. Note that some conventional cars also come with run flat tyres.

Suspension:

If you are a fan of Alex Mahone in Prison Break, I am sure you’ll remember how he was able to identify the bullet proof Limo amongst other Limos. A car that is carrying additional weight of 550 kg to 1,000 kg can be singled out if you have those eyes like Inspired Autos and Gidicars. This is due to the fact that some of the bullet proof cars may ride slightly lower and heavier than conventional cars despite their enhanced suspensions.

Non operational windows:
To offer maximum protection, bullet proof car manufacturers recommend the non operational windows. So if you see the driver of that luxury ride who has to open the door of the car to get that document or to pay his fee at lekki toll gate, that ride is probably armoured. However, some still come with the rolling windows despite the fact that it compromises protection.

Gunports

This is an opening through which a gun can be fired. This feature is found in a few privately owned amoured cars. Nevertheless, it is common in bullion vans and those Rapid Response trucks.

Finally, all these features and many more like the explosion-resistant fuel tank, comes at an average additional cost of $100,000 (N47 Million). This N47 Million excludes the purchase cost of the vehicle.

Who can guess the name of the most popular bullet proof car in the world?




https://autojosh.com/bullet-proof-cars/

Once again it’s on!

The 2018 Motorsport Championship the annual motorsport event that takes place at the MotorSport Raceway, Evbuobanosa (MRE) in Edo state will commence tomorrow.

the MotorSport Raceway, Evbuobanosa (MRE) is the first car race track in Nigeria.

The race track which is located in the very serene vicinity of Evbuobanosa – a town just 20 minutes drive from Benin-city, along the Benin – Asaba Highway – grants easy access from Benin, Delta State, and many other parts of the country.
The warm up for the special event started since Wednesday, 21st November, 2018.

Below is the Race Week Schedule

Wednesday, 21st November
• Morning - Car Practice
• Afternoon - Bike Practice


Thursday, 22nd November

• Morning - Bike Practice
• Afternoon - Car practice


Friday, 23rd November

• Morning - Car practice
• Afternoon - Bike practice

Saturday, 24th November 2018 is the RACE DAY.

Tomorrow's event will anchor the RoadX championship final. The RoadX Race Series is a team based BMW E30/Mercedes Benz 190 car racing series.

The event tomorrow is not just for cars but bikes as well.

The Bikes Trophy (BT) Series will involve racers in the 600cc & 1000cc categories of the Superbike race for Championship.
After the race on Saturday, there would be other packaged fun to ease the stress of the race event. A party will come up after the race event on that same Saturday.

















https://autojosh.com/thou-shall-not-miss-the-2018-motorsport-championship-in-edo/

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Urhokpota Hall

The Urhokpota hall is one of the most legendary architecture and event places in Edo state.

The hall was built in Benin-City in 1906. Crewe Reade, a Briton, and a senior administrative officer in the colonial District office in Benin conceived the idea to build the hall when he noticed that the spot always had an unusual crowds gathering to have an audience with the Oba of Benin. Thus, the Hall was built to accommodate and hear those who sort audience with the Oba.

The architectural design of the Urhokpota hall is a combination of a typical County town hall building common in Victoria time in Britain. It has an elevated semi pyramidal wall-Clock-House platform similar to those found in West Minster Abbey or the City Hall of Manchester In England.

The Urhokpota Hall has played host to many important and historical events.

The Urhokpota Hall has been the venue for many cultural festivals. For instance, the Midwestern State festivals of Arts and culture organized from 1964 to 1974 were done at the Hall.

It has hosted several conferences in the Old Western region. Meetings of different Oba of Benin and their chiefs have been held there.

Most importantly, the coronation event for an Oba that requires public audience is done outside the hall.

The Urhokpata Hall has also been used as a campaign venue for notable politicians such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Obafemi Awolowo and so many other.

Currently, Urhokpota hall is now serves as a car park for the public. Motorists pay a fee to park their cars there.

The Oredo Local Government council supervises the car park activities at the Urhokota hall.














Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre

The Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre is centrally located in Benin City. It is located near the palace of the Oba of Benin.

The architectural designed was done by a Nigerian artist, Demas Nwoko.

The Oba Akenzua Cultural center is a notable venue for events such social events such as plays, weddings, symposia, concerts, etc.

The exterior design of this edifice draws it inspiration from the traditional Benin City aristocratic architecture, for instance, the colour imitates the local reddish clay in a cast sandcrete.

The shape of the structure, however, departs sharply from the rectilinear courtyard compounds of the Edo, favoring a semicircle that follows the curve of the theatre’s seating.

Nwoko originally designed the building as a University of Benin theatre in 1972. But the design would later be used by the state government for a civic center. The civic center was commissioned in 1993.

It seats between 200 to 700 people, depending on whether the forestage and orchestra pit are in use. The structure’s two stories accommodate highly pitched seating as well as two roomy hallways sometimes used for exhibitions.

In 2017, the Godwin Obaseki-led government made the Centre a temporarily site for a motor park. This will be until a city-wide motor park would be constructed.

The hall environment has become a chaotic location. A market has sprung up on the grounds to service passengers, and the grounds and structure have deteriorated.

This may not be for long, as the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, called for its refurbishment during his announcement of the establishment of a Benin Royal Academy of Performing Art in 2017.

Music star and actor, Banky W, is set to auction his famous Range Rover SUV.

The vehicle which was drawn to public attention some months ago when a bizarre video of  a female mocking the automobile as beneath the status of the music star.

Watch the video HERE.

To announce the planned auction, Banky W took to his Instagram account to promote a video of himself making his intention public..

According to the artiste, the proceed from the auction of the Range Rover Sport will be donated to charity.

He captioned the Instagram video thus:

“This Range Rover has been so good to my Madam and I, but this Saturday Nov 24th we are auctioning it to raise money for The School for the Blind, and for @pinkoaktrust... If you're looking for a used Car, buy this piece of Nigerian Pop Culture history instead. It has been in more videos and movies than any other option out there lol. It was also the subject of a stalker video some months ago. Point being, it's famous, and these charities need our help. So come through on Saturday and bid on this and many more cars... Hit up @cars45ng @carsbazr with any questions #Carsbazrliveauctuon #Cars45BankyWCharityChallenge #BuyBankysRange



Watch the Instagram video HERE






https://autojosh.com/banky-w-set-to-auction-his-famous-range-rover-sport-photos/



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On September 5, 2014, a famous Nigerian editor and columnist was knocked down and killed by a hit-and-run motorist.

The incidence occurred while he was jogging in his Okota, Lagos neighbourhood.

Just like the 58 years old Dimgba Igwe, there have been other reported cases of hit-and-run incidences involving physical fitness enthusiasts.

Indeed, roads in Lagos state are notorious for reckless motorists. And as such, pedestrians and physical fitness enthusiasts are typically exposed to such dangerous motoring.



However, there is another group of street joggers that seem to have further heightened the risks of jogging on the street.

This category of exercisers are those who jog with earpieces on. Members of these group have become common sights on some of our busy roads.

Wearing earpieces of an audio gadget can effectively prevent one from hearing sounds from a potentially dangerous situation.

Shouldn’t such practice be outlawed?













https://autojosh.com/how-safe-is-it-to-jog-on-the-streets-of-lagos-especially-with-ones-ear-piece-on/

The much-anticipated Ondo Auto Rally, 2018, has come and gone.

The Ondo Auto rally – one of Nigeria’s major auto fiesta - took place last weekend.

The event was a memorable one for car enthusiasts who were in attendance.

It was fun-filled experience throughout the period of the auto rally.

There was just about every auto event that one could think of: Car race, Off-Road Rally, Circuit Road Race, Bike Race,  auto stunts performances, etc.

The Ondo Auto Rally is one of Nigeria’s biggest motor sport event.

The festival has also contributed to the growing awareness and interest in Motor Sports in Nigeria.

The 2018 edition witnessed a huge turn out of auto enthusiasts.

The event featured several activities such as bonfire night, cultural troupe, and, of course – car and bike races!.

During the event, over N3million in cash prizes were won by racers in different categories.

The event was graced by dignitaries such as the Chief Mike Ade-Ojo, the Chairman, Toyota Nigeria Limited  and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state.

The event is promoted by Work and Play Events.
























https://i0.wp.com/autojosh.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Ondo-Auto-Rally-28.jpg?w=600&ssl=1[/img]
















https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lIVFftKbGI



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hgR2iqOAUg



Watch more videos HERE



https://autojosh.com/the-ondo-auto-rally-in-pictures-photos/

Meanwhile, click the link to see photos of the current state of Textile Mill Road In Benin-city, Edo state.


https://www.nairaland.com/4843602/textile-mill-road-benin-city-see#73166827

Governor Godwin Obaseki is fast earning a reputation as an administrator who works his talk.

In February 2018, the Edo state government promised that he would reconstruct and rehabilitate about 150km of roads across the state.

Shortly after the pronouncement, work commenced on 90 Kilometres of roads across the state. This represented the first phase of the road rehabilitation project of the government.

Part of the roads that is included in the phase, and currently being reconstructed, include TV Road measuring 2.3km, Lucky Way (3km long), Irhirhi-Aroobga-Obazagbon- Obag ienevbosa-Oghehghe road all in Edo South; the Ekpoma-Uhumudumu road in Edo Central; Agbede-Anwain road, Uzzeba-Ukpoji road and Okuokphellagbe road in Edo North Senatorial Districts.

So far, the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government has completed the reconstruction of the The 3km long TV road. The work featured the dualization of this popular road in the Edo state capital.

See photos below.















https://autojosh.com/see-what-governor-obaseki-did-at-the-popular-tv-road-in-benin-city-photos/


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In 2017, Lagos State Government released hundreds of routes where motorcycles and tricycles ​(aka Okada and Keke) ​are banned​.

​The list includes major highways, bridges​, etc in Lagos state.

This decision was due to an outrage as a result of the menace of commercial motorcycles popularly referred to as “Okada’’ and their involvement in the number of traffic fatalities,

For instance in 2013, NAN investigations revealed that Lagos recorded 13,398 road accidents with deaths from motorcycle-related accidents accounting for 148.

Okada recorded 6,131 accidents in 15 months between 2013 and 2015.

Hundreds of users who survived the crashes were either maimed or left with permanent disabilities.

Some had been bedridden for several years or months at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi in Lagos, a facility for the treatment bone diseases and victims of automobile and motorcycles accidents.

According to a report by NAN, in 2013, there were 452 motorcycle accidents in the state involving 273 males and 179 females.

It also shows that in 2014, there were 291 motorcycle accidents that involved 168 males and 123 females.

Comparatively between 2013 and 2014, the rate of motorcycle accidents reduced by 35.6 per cent following a partial ban slammed on the operators by the Babatunde Fashola administration after signing into law the State Traffic Bill on Aug. 2, 2012.

All these informed Ambode’s decision to effect the ban on Okada activities on major highways, bridges and roads.

However, recently, there appears to be a return of Okada activities on major roads, highways and bridges in Lagos as can be seen in the photos below.

Or has the ban on Okada activities been lifted?

















https://autojosh.com/is-there-still-a-ban-on-okada-activities-in-lagos/