₦airaland Forum

I just registered on naijabet & I must say the process of funding account is disappointing. Tried the ATM Card 2, it appears it works for only GTB issued cards as I received a "Kreative Integrated Concepts & Management Limited currently does not accept your card type". The ATM Card 1 option, which appears to be a Fidelity Bank payment gateway, wasn't responsive as it keeps loading without any result and my network is superb.

Unfortunately, I don't.

Etienz:
Thanks, Pls do u knw their target per month?

The pay is 50k + commission.

The truth is PMB may or might not win in 2019 depending on a combination of factors. That being said, he is the candidate to beat; in spite of the hardships currently being experienced in the country under his leadership.

In the North (Northwest & Northeast), he is going to sweep the votes there. Forget what anybody tells you. Even Chief Dele Momodu in one of his Pendulum columns once averred that Buhari is the most popular Northern politician alive & it would be difficult for a fellow northerner to floor him at the polls. He even went ahead to suggest fielding a competent & mass appealing candidate from the South to run against the incumbent in 2019.

In the North Central, which voted en mass for PMB in 2015, the same may not play out in 2019 due largely to how the incumbent has so far handled the herdsmen/farmers clash. However, this "revenge" vote may play out mostly in Benue & Plateau. As for Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi & Kwara (depending on where Saraki decides to pitch his tent), they'll queue behind Buhari.

In the South, I foresee voter apathy especially in the South east & some parts of South south. However, should these two geo-political zones decide to vote, they'll split between PDP, APC & perhaps APGA. Most of the votes there will however go to PDP, which will most definitely field a Northern candidate. The agitation for secession & generally apathy towards the North in the South east, with spillover effects in the South south informed my earlier prediction of lesser voters turnout.

Again, this is where the South west holds the trump card; the voters there are very unpredictable. Depending on how the opposition plays its cards & what PMB is able to achieve in that region before 2019 (completion of Lagos-Ibadan expressway & the rail line among other capital projects) will go a long way in deciding where the votes will swing.

In conclusion, my fear & those of others about PMB contesting in 2019 is borne from the strong belief that he will win should he throw his hat in the ring. With what his first four years has brought on Nigerians (hardships, nepotism, wider division along ethnic & religious lines, corruption & crass ignorance of modern day methods of governance among others), it's unimaginable what his second coming will wrought upon us hence the plea he should step aside. Na beg we dey.

As for those shouting about getting their PVCs, those you call almajiris & illiterates have gotten theirs since & are waiting to cast their votes for PMB & even 'die' for him, if need be. Are you willing to do same for the candidate of your conviction? Watch how INEC will frustrate many who are willing to register & get their PVCs. Oh! I forgot, they've already started frustrating us already.

Gov. Shettima's claim on Christian/Southern Army Commanders doing more in the war against Boko Haram than their Muslim/Northern counterparts deserves to be dissected by the intelligence agencies. His assertion further fuels speculation that some elements in the security agencies are sympathetic to the terrorists' extremist campaigns in the Northeast.

"A hostel mate, who also confirmed the incident, said the deceased’s roommate had been arrested by men of the Delta State Police Command for interrogation". �

That part of the report got me wondering what we did to deserve the type of police we've in this country. What crime did the roommate commit to warrant her 'arrest?'

The OP that posted this 'news' needs to do better with gathering information. How can "issabanger" by D'banj feature Uhuru? No, na Kenyatta. Plus "senrere" is Skales feat. D'banj not the other way round.

You could've just congratulated the ladies without attaching ethnic sentiments to their achievements. I wonder if there's a medal for being a tribal bigot online or in real life. Meanwhile, the other lady is actually Oluwabunmi Ijelu. No other ethnic champion should try to appropriate her please. They're NIGERIANS, simple!

Paperwhite:
Ndi Igbo-always blazing the trail & doing us proud.I wish I was born an Igbo man.Igbo kwenu!!! Weldone girls.God will protect you from the evil system.

micfoley:
Nice one for a change

Exactly!

whitebeard:
Good for u.

I know, right?

Okay, I know it might not be a big deal but watching a Hollywood film with a star-studded cast and Nigeria portrayed as playing an important role, looks like something worth cheering.

I've seen some episodes of Hollywood series where Nigeria is showcased in not so good light especially where terrorists/terrorism is involved but in this particular movie, I was glad to see that among the set of people at the NASA Space Station working to save the world from catastrophic climate conditions, was a Nigerian character 'Adisa' actually played by Adepero Oduye.

Though I'm yet to finish watching the film, I felt a tinge of pride seeing the Nigerian flag among other countries' flags working together to keep the world safe.

Incase you haven't seen Geostorm, it's a movie released in October 2017 and parades stars like Gerard Butler, Ed Harris, Jim Sturgess, Andy Garcia, Daniel Wu, Abbie Cornish and Richard Schiff among others.

See some pictures I was able to screenshot from the movie.

Daviddson:
Politics of who you know. Kaduna has been enjoying some very good things since Buhari came on board. I know the plan to build these dry ports predated this administration, but why should Kaduna's be the first to be completed? Why not Funtua or Ibadan or Aba? Why should the Kaduna railway also be the first to be completed if not because of Elrufai's closeness to Buhari. I know Amaechi is in charge, but these observations shouldn't be discarded just like that. I mean no harm.

I'm sure you read the news report and saw where the president urged other concessionaires to speed up work on their own inland dry ports?

As for the Abuja-Kaduna train, that was already ongoing and had achieved appreciable level of completion before the present administration finished it & just yesterday, increased number of locomotives and coaches.

But of course, you can't take away the fact that Kaduna is dear to Buhari's heart & Gov. El-rufai knows how to get the President's attention.

PapaBrowne:
I am glad they bought new locomotives! It was needed as that route was running just two trains daily which was terribly inadequate.


Now this is my take...

Jonathan spent 4 years and completed this train line. He also completed the Abuja light rail to 68% completion as Buhari acknowledged in his new year day speech. He also went pretty far with the new airport terminals at the Abuja, Lagos and Enugu airports.


My question to you Buhari, which project will you hand over to the new government coming in in 2019 as it certain you are not coming back.
All the things you listed on new years day that you want to start doing, is it in 2018 election year that you will give out the contract or were you hoping that despite your terrible perfomamnce you would be voted back in 2019?

You budgeted a total of N4 trillion in 2016(N1.8T) and 2017(N2.2T) for capital projects. That is a whooping $13 billion. That money would have built us 2600km of rail lines at the price which Jonathan used in building the Abuja -Kaduna rail. It cost $875 million to build the rail line of 195km. That is an average of $4.48 million per km.

Or for better comparison, the Lekki Ikoyi link bridge was N29 billion. 4 Trillion Naira would have built 137 of such massive bridges.

But you know what, there isnt anywhere in the country where 100km of road have been completed since you came in. Where has all that money(N4 Trillion) gone to.

Beautiful analysis but you sound as if the entire N4trn allocated to capital projects for the years 2016 and 2017 were indeed released but not used for the purpose they were meant for. It's another argument entirely if we ask why wasn't the total sum released as at when due or that which was released, how well was/is it utilized.

Unfortunately, that's the situation we find ourselves; choosing between the devil and deep blue sea.Nonetheless, I concur with your submission that 2019 is Buhari's to either win or lose.

Mynd44:
When I tell people that Presidnet Buhari has the NE locked even if Atiku runs they say it is a lie.

No matter who contests, Buhari will get about 80-85% of the votes from the NE and 75% of NW. He will probably get 50% of the NC.

With these numbers, it will take a miracle for him to lose in 2019.

Which leads me to say Although President Buhari has not done enough to merit a second term, he will win the elections in 2019.

Lovely. Every region of this country has what it takes to become a better place; the potentials just have to be fully developed.

Sell 9mobile to Glo abi na slow and watch the network die a slow and painful death. If I'd my way, I'd sell 9mobile to Smile.

During rainy season when the dam is "full" that circle that appears like a funnel receives the "excess" water; lovely experience especially when you hear the sound of rushing water but it can also be scary. I remember my first time inside that small building. By the way, that small building used to serve as a rendezvous for lovers back in the day; the inner walls are filled with various inscriptions, mostly names of visitors. You may hit me up OP anytime you're not busy and have time to 'burn'. I'm in Samaru.

***MODIFIED***
True eh! This post is over a year but it just made FP; Wow! What's gonna be is gonna be...

Very imposing property; you can't fail to notice it due to its strategic location on Gana Street (opp. Transcorp Hilton), Maitama.

I was wondering if the same person owns an almost similar property somewhere in Kaduna (not sure the precise location again) but I think it's on the left before NEPA r/about if you're coming from Kawo. This particular structure is also located close to a r/about.

Same here. Been using the code since August or there about when it was still in "testing" stage. Guess the test is over now hence the public rollout.
P.S: I stopped using the USSD code to check my bank account balance due to the charge it incurs from my account; is this still the norm or they've stopped charging for that particular service?
And yes, this service has a daily max transfer cap of 20k.

RitzyPrince:
not new though. been using this for a very long time.

Don't you just love the type of democracy the U.S and other civilized countries practice? Who dash monkey banana to even do backflip when "ordinary" IGP convoy dey pass by talk more of riding keke closely and flipping the middle finger?

Lordygram:
what are the criterials that were followed, for given her the role as an ambassador? "I am seeing something like end poverty... How can you give a woman that dont have a charity organization, she dont contribute to charity funds or help those homeless people affected by war, floods and natural disasters... She has no records of charity to her activities..... I am not hating but ladies like yemi alade, guys like 2face and other people that has help in given financial assistance to homeless camps, deserve that role.

Omotola doesn't do charity? Doesn't have a foundation dedicated to alleviating poverty? Your comment smacks of crass ignorance.

Modified

I'll assume you were probably referring to the other equally hardworking ladies - not Omotola - but even if that were the case, what makes you think they're not involved in one charity or the other? Just because people do charity below media coverage doesn't mean they're not involved in their own little ways. We should learn to appreciate the 'little' drops others contribute that make up the ocean of assistance.

IGP Idris maybe due for sack over any number of reasons but to claim that one of such is his aloofness to the purported slaughtering of Christians in Churches by "Muslim fanatics" in Zaria is a fabrication. I was born, raised and currently reside in Samaru, Zaria and can say authoritatively, nothing of such occurred; at least not in recent years. And FYI, the so-called fanatics here don't slaughter, they simply douse with petrol and set ablaze while locking everyone in.

Firstly, I assume you feel the need to turn down her frequent food supplies coz you're not attracted to her; which isn't a bad thing.
However, since her gesture is making you uncomfortable, I'd suggest you cook for her/take her out/bring out her own food whenever she makes her usual round (whichever suits you) and over the course of eating, extol her large-heartedness and while at it, let her know you cherish her friendship but can't continue to accept her food supplies coz it makes you feel obligated to (like you owe) her, which you don't want. Don't forget to thank her for the days she cooked and brought you meals (let her know it was delicious, even if you didn't taste it coz she might assume you didn't like her cooking) but that going forward, you'd like that to end.

chatinent:
Markurdi is a place to be. It is the capital of Benue state in Nigeria. It is said to be The Food basket of the Nation.

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[img]http://3.bp..com/-iPod9XK9oMw/UESbInC4erI/AAAAAAAACsA/EmkndQ0Hb0A/s1600/farmnet.jpg[/img]
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While coming, you will experience these things:
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1. [s]You will notice they still use mud huts. It's cultural. Their mud houses are round shaped and a bit dwarfy to normal house sizes.[/s]
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2. [s]They sell only roast yam along. You will find people selling roast yam along, they'd be pursuing you to buy it like tomorrow were history.[/s]
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3. Garri market. I wonder if this is where they supply garri from to the world. They are good in garri production. You'd notice they sell it much.
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4. A police check-point with a military personnel. If you are studious, you will notice almost all police check-points have a military personnel accompanied with them. Maybe, to curb disobedience. You know, the Nigerian police force are not respected here in Nigeria.

5. [s] It looks deserted. The environs look like what Moses trekked in the Bible, no wonder he had to take off his shoes.[/s]
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When you are in Markurdi, you must experience these:.
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6. Pigs are domesticated. Pigs are domestic animals over there, they go around like pets.
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7. You use pigs to pay dowry. Reliable sources confirmed that in parts of Markurdi, pigs are used as part of paying a woman's dowry.
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8. You must meet sb who speaks your language. Yes, it's true. Markurdi is in central Nigeria, therefore, almost all tribes may be found there.
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9. Admiration. Seriously, they admire new comers easily! Little wonder I made many friends!
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10. Seems peaceful. The place is serene. Well, let's say the place I stayed.
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11. Phantom Thieves. We were cautioned that they have spirit thieves who would deal your valueable; I mean, Mr Nobodies. Well, theft is everywhere.
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Origin: http://chatinent.com.ng/index.php?act=ST&f=46&t=449&st=0#entry892
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Thankfully, some of the points OP listed have been exposed for the lies they are. Which Makurdi did you visit that is "deserted?" or did the word just have a new meaning? What happened to selling of fruits, especially very cheap buckets of oranges along the roadside; yet you say ONLY (emphasis mine) roasted yam? Perhaps you'd do well to inform which part of Makurdi you visited precisely instead of generalizing your assumptions.

Ordinarily I'd avoid creating a thread on D'banj seeing that there's not a dearth of topics on the Nigerian music icon but with the increasing level of dislike for the self-styled African Michael Jackson, especially from his own country(wo)men, this became necessary.

Why the hate on D'banj? What's his offence? Why is there a deliberate and patterned attempt to rubbish his hard work and successes especially with the release of his latest studio album (his 4th solo effort) King-Don-Come?

Although King-Don-Come has swayed some critics to the side of D'banj, there's still a motley crowd that refuses to see anything good in the "Kokomaster". For better illustration, this latter group may be likened to a group of kids who love chocolate but will not go near a particularly​ great brand because the cover wrapper has the face of the cartoon character they least approve - nonetheless this doesn't change the fact that what's underneath the wrapper is a mouthwatering chocolate.

Since going solo over five years ago, the amount of hate that has been thrown at D'banj is unprecedented. In fact, it's safe to assume that among his class, the star entertainer is the most loathed. If he was any less stronger mentally/emotionally or lacked thick skin, the Emergency singer could've been history musically by now.

For those who loathe D'banj on the basis of his music - which he has never claimed to be a maestro - that he has retrogressed since going solo, this isn't​ entirely true but that's topic for another day. Majority of those who label his songs "whack" do so for the sole reason it was sung by the person they hate to love; if it had any other person on it, they would've gladly given their approval.

While some D'banj haters have softened their stance with the release of his unbelievably good King-Don-Come album - which has a collection of nice songs by the way - others have strengthened their hate.

When it was reported here that "'banj's 'Elchapo' Trending As No 4 In The Netherlands", they said it was impossible as English is purportedly not widely spoken in that country. When it was also reported that "'banjs El Chapo Video Reaches One Million Views Under A Week On Youtube" some people alleged that he bought the views while others slammed him for celebrating the "achievement" considering his status.

Now, that's the problem with most people who look down on D'banj - double standards. One day, you hear them saying he's a broke a** or no longer relevant on another day, they'll accuse the "broke" guy of buying views (they'll still argue that he can afford to because it's not that expensive) or "too big a star" to be celebrating a million views (and still counting) on YouTube.

The same way they accuse D'banj of making music with little or no lyrical depth, they celebrate others for the same thing; so, what particularly is their grouse with him?

I won't conclude this without informing the D'banj "haters club" that El Chapo isn't just no. 4 trending video on YouTube in the Netherlands, as at the time of writing this, it is no. 3.

King-Don-Come might not be a classic album in terms of lyrical content or the songs even close to most of D'banj's songs of yester-years, I can declare with all sense of responsibility after listening to the latest album that it showcases D'banj in a light never before seen and indeed, the King is back irrespective of what naysayers may say or think.

Hello Dear NLers, this is a cry for help by the woman whose image appears herein. Her name is Prof. (Mrs) Oluremilekun O. Ajayi, current Head, Department of Zoology at the University of Jos.

Prof. Ajayi, who lost her husband to cancer six years ago, is currently battling an aggressive form of cancer that has seen her suffered several infections and a particularly scary episode of Pulmonary Embolisms (blood clots in her lungs).

Inspite of these setbacks to her health, this mother and grandmother has battled to stay alive.

Her children have opened a GoFundMe to help raise funds for her treatment.

Hear her childrens' plea:

"No one should ever have to see their loved one in this condition, and it is even more painful and heartbreaking when you are not in a position, financially, to pay for treatment. This is an incredibly difficult situation for our family.

"Our mother is presently seeking help in the U.K to battle this cancer. She has been here for the past 5 weeks, having traveled from Nigeria, mostly receiving only pain medications to alleviate the excruciation pain ravaging her body.

"This ordeal began in January 2017, but we did not realize the extent of what we were dealing with till about May. In this time, she has accumulated mounting medical bills, and she still needs further treatment. We are running out of options on how to raise money for her care.

"She is a private patient, meaning she has no insurance and for chemotherapy to commence, the facilities have required that we pay the full amount upfront. They will not agree to payments in instalments.

"So, we, her children appeal to you. We pray you find it in your heart to give towards this fund and save our mother. We appeal to your compassion and your humanity, and we know, with your help, our mother has a fighting chance to pull through.

"Thank you and God bless you all".

So far, via the GoFundMe page, the sum of £6,877 (as at the time of typing this) has been raised within a short span of three days by 101 persons; no amount is too small to contribute towards the treatment of Prof. (Mrs.) Oluremilekun O. Ajayi.

https://www.gofundme.com/5rdgm-mums-fight-against-cancer

The People's Democratic Party, PDP, has mourned the passing of immediate past Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai.

Mr. Suntai passed away yesterday, Wednesday, at a private residence in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A where he was undergoing rehabilitation for brain injuries he sustained from a plane crash in October, 2012.

He died two days to his 56th birthday.

In a statement yesterday, the Deputy National Chairman of the Ali Modu Sheriff faction of PDP, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, described the late former governor as an outstanding and professional man.

Mr. Ojougboh said late Mr. Suntai did the PDP proud with his examplar record of achievements in office as Governor of Taraba before the unfortunate plane crash that incapacitated him.

"We're proud of late Suntai. He left his profession and became a politician in order to bring quality to governance.

"This, he exhibited, while in office until the unfortunate plane crash incident.

“Suntai represented PDP well and are very proud of him".

Ojougboh said that until his death Suntai never gave up as he was involved in the struggle for the progress of PDP and Nigeria.

He said that the PDP commiserated with the family of late Suntai, the people and government of Taraba state on the great lost.

http://www.npbs.gov.ng/landing/index.php/100-home-page/politics/192-pdp-mourns-late-suntai-says-ex-gov-brought-quality-governance-to-taraba

Dear Nigerian youth,

It's with mixed feelings I write this letter to you yet, I hope it meets you well? How have you been? Hope life is treating you well and you too have been fair to your fellow (wo)man?

I'm​ aware the economy isn't living up to your expectations and don't even get me started on the lack of gainful employment however, when the few job opportunities came knocking on your door, how prepared were you to meet them? Who preparation epp abi?

Dear Nigerian youth, if you recall not too​ long at the beginning of this missive I did mention that I'd mixed feelings writing to you; I was happy and sad at the same time. You may wonder "how can anyone be happy and at the same time sad?"

In life, you'll come to discover - if you haven't already - that there are some situations you find yourself that invoke feelings of happiness in you while others will stir feelings of sadness, emptiness even.

Since you were born and came to knowledge of right and wrong you must've heard that you're the leader of tomorrow yet that future seems to have eluded you - sort of an illusion. While it could still become reality, I am sad to point out that your actions or inactions may've contributed towards making that future - where you're a leader - far from you.

Dear Nigerian youth, I've observed with keen interest your evolvement over the years and I can say with certainty that you're indeed a rare breed, who inspite of the challenges that surround you like an army of ants around a drop of honey, you've displayed uncommon resilience and often, like the Phoenix, you've risen from the ash of your unfavorable conditions. For that and more, I salute and celebrate you.

Your hard work, innovative ideas, honesty, belief in God, patriotism to your country and resourcefulness have made you a force to be reckoned with the world over. Among your equals, you stand out like a constellation of stars; little wonder you've become a point of reference to the spirit of Black; a race destined for greatness inspite of the many obstacles.

However, among you Nigerian youth, are a few bad eggs who have embraced a life of wastefulness, dishonesty, pride, living on the fast lane, greed and laziness. These few have made it their life's work to bring shame to you dear Nigerian youth but shall you allow them?

Often times I sit and ponder, how did you become the poster boy for internet fraud popularly called 'yahoo-yahoo?' how did you become so lazy that you're now rated one of the leading originators/participants of Ponzi schemes in the world?

Once upon a time you stood for nothing but hardwork, dignity in labour and reward for honest service but these days you're now in the forefront of kidnapping, armed robbery, militancy, ritualism, political thuggery and other such vices too numerous to mention.

How did you get to this point dear Nigerian youth? If you claim that your country failed you and broke its promises of a better life for you, is that enough reason for you to fail yourself?

You cannot be a leader of tomorrow if you spend a larger part of your today abusing drugs, whiling away valuable time in sports betting shops, drinking joints, 'investing' the little you have on ponzis and expecting to get rich overnight without lifting a finger or even in religious houses expecting a miracle because "Faith without works is dead".

Why don't you wake up dear Nigerian youth! You've slumbered for far too long and are lagging behind your peers who virtually every day, are breaking new grounds. While you've done greatly for yourself within a short time and with little or no help, I daresay to you that more work is needed to be done.

The world is waiting to hear your breakthroughs in Science, Technology, Health and even politics. Who says you cannot achieve greatness; that your environment (Nigeria) isn't a fertile soil for your next-generation ideas to grown and blossom? Who says the challenges you face today cannot become your stepping stone to greatness tomorrow? You just have to put your thinking cap back on your head and think outside the box.

If Mark Zuckerberg can make it, why can't you? If Usain Bolt can make it, who says you can't? If Emmanuel Macron or Justin Trudeau can make it, what stops you from making it? If Chimamanda Adichie can be successful, why can't you?

Dear Nigerian youth, you've no excuse really to not succeed. The only thing holding you back is you - you can only achieve as much as your faith can muster.

Step out of the shadows today, free yourself of the chain of procrastination and find something for your hands to do no matter how small. Remember that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step.

I hope to talk to you soon again dear Nigerian youth. Thanks for taking the time to read my letter.

Yours Sincerely,
Concerned Nigerian youth

http://www.npbs.gov.ng/landing/index.php/100-home-page/politics/190-dear-nigerian-youth-why-you-re-not-yet-leaders-of-tomorrow

By now, you must have heard about the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge Rail line that is now the toast of most travelers along that route & “tourists” alike. There are those who have one business or the other to do in Kaduna or Abuja, who now have a choice between a safer, more reliable & comfortable mode of transportation, which is the new rail service and a less safe, unpredictable & sometimes comfortable means of transportation, which is the road. These are the travelers.

The “tourists”, on the other hand, have nothing really to do in either cities; they are curious, experimental & just want to experience the “feeling” of excitement that this new rail service offers.

However, what nobody told these category of Nigerians & foreigners alike is that “nothing good comes easy”.
I will explain why in the next few sentences.

Imagine that you traveled from Zaria to Abuja by road for a meeting with high hopes that on your return trip, 24 hours later, you would join the “transforma-change” (since supporters of both the previous and present administration have refused to see the realization of the Abuja-Kaduna rail project as a victory for Nigeria & it’s people, rather than a glorification of just two personalities) that is the Abuja-Kaduna rail service.

Though you slept very late, as early as 6a.m, you were set and ready to hit the road to take the first train.

However, as you approach the station, which by the way is a lovely sight to behold, your heart beat racing faster, excitement high & spilling over with unbelief that yes, “today na today, I go enter train”, you suddenly notice the looks on some passengers’ faces that tells you something is amiss. Although the facial expressions don’t tell the entire story, you still believe that your hopes of riding the train are on course.

You waltz your way through the crowd all the while soaking in the beauty & serenity of the environment till you get to the entrance of the gigantic building that is clearly marked “Departure” & then it hits you; trouble in paradise.

A fine looking, courteous & confident man with a reflective jacket on his dress and identification card clipped to its front, was explaining some things to a group of passengers that had gathered in front of the departure hall. You move closer to hear clearly what he is saying but almost immediately, it’s ended and he’s directing some members of the group to read a typed written notice pasted on the glass door that leads into the hall.

The notice clearly indicates that as from the 29th August, anyone wanting to ride the train must provide a valid means of identification – drivers license, international passport, national I.d card or permanent voter’s card before they can be allowed to buy their ticket to board the train.

The information jolts you just a little bit because you’ve none of the aforementioned means of identification yet to remain on course. Just as the fine looking gentleman is about making his way back into the hall, you see “Bomb Squad” scribbled behind his reflective jacket and you quickly call out “oga!” He turns around, a closer look at his I.d card confirms he’s a police officer from the Edo State Police Command.

“Good morning sir”, you greet and he responds. “Where can I get a ticket?” you ask almost immediately & the answer that finally dashed your hopes comes out of his mouth: “the first train is fully booked. No more tickets but you can come back for the afternoon train”.

He was saying something about the time for the afternoon train but you’re no longer paying attention as something else has caught your eyes.
You peep through the transparent giant glass doors & you can see a large number of people comfortably seated inside the departure hall. “The lucky ones”, who have gotten their tickets and are only waiting for the early morning train to arrive so they can “gerrarahere”.

Anyways, that was my experience this past Saturday at the Kubwa Train sub-station.

My cousin had informed me to “wake up very early” so that I would catch the first train. How early, was what I did not know. But I suspect being early at the train station means getting there probably around 5a.m.

What interested me, however, was the enthusiasm and interest shown by Nigerians from all walks of life to take the train. It also gave me some cause for concern.

Not all Nigerians, law-abiding and with legitimate businesses, have a driver’s license, voter’s card or national I.d card. Denying them, or rather us, the chance of riding the train because we don’t have any of these aforementioned means of identification, is a disservice to the purpose of introducing the train along this route.

I later discovered, based on my discussion with the police officer with the “bomb squad” vest that just about any means of proper identification was all that was required.

If I may also ask, what is the wisdom, minus security reason, behind having the train depart first thing in the morning from Abuja to Kaduna instead of vice versa? The idea behind this rail service, I believe, aside providing an alternative, cheaper & safer mode of transportation, is to open up economic activities between the two cities.

Look at it this way, imagine living in Kaduna, which offers a more affordable lifestyle with a train readily available as early as 7a.m to transport you to Abuja where you work. This would open a limitless world of opportunities in the “Crocodile city” & in the process, decongest the nation’s capital, which is fast becoming a less attractive place to live what with the noise, air & environmental pollution, traffic congestion, high cost of living and rent among others.

Also, while the Abuja-Kaduna rail service is still relatively new and challenges such as high passenger volumes are not unexpected, the federal government will do good to start making plans to expand the number of rail tracks or increase the number of trains/coaches to accommodate the increasing number of travelers as well as provide alternative means of purchasing tickets e.g online booking.

The opportunities presented by an effective and reliable rail transport system cannot be over-emphasized reason the FG must seize the momentum and capitalize on the interest so far shown by Nigerians, to develop and deliver on modern and world class rail services that will pass the test of time.

http://www.informationng.com/2016/09/what-you-werent-told-about-the-new-abuja-kaduna-rail-1-by-ayodele-daniel.html

I am in Sabon Gari LGA of Kaduna State.

I am still trying to figure out which category I fall under because the correspondence between me and the representative of Nigerialog.com team who contacted me, seemed to be smooth and responses were swift. Maybe I made an unreasonable demand or perhaps fell down the pecking order of applicants, I'll never know. All the same guys, this is for real; apply now & ask questions about their authenticity later. Cheers.

nigerialog:
So far we have already employed some people and they are already working.
We are still screening others, while new applications are coming in.

So far we have identified five groups of applicants:

(1) Those who are serious and are qualified

(2) Those who are serious but are not qualified (either due to lack of adequate command of English or carelessness of their application response)

(3) Those who are qualified but are still checking us out to know whether we are serious, maybe waiting till me pay the first salary

(4) Devils advocates and kill joys who are just out to spoil our business

(5) Spies just snooping around


You are all welcome!

At the end we shall select those who will enhance our business.

God bless you all, and God bless Nigeria!