News
Container movement by rail to Kaduna, Kano will begin soon – NRC
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has assured the Inland Containers Nigeria Ltd. (ICNL), Kaduna, of seamless movement of containers by rail from Apapa Port, to Kaduna and Kano.
The NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
He said this while receiving the management team of the ICNL, led by its Managing Director, Mr Omotayo Dada.
Opeifa said the corporation was willing to partner with major movers of large containers across the country.
He noted that the NRC had partnered with APMT for the movement of containers from Apapa to the Inland Dry Port in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“The corporation will continue to design products for companies willing to use the rail to move its cargoes.
“With the ICNL partnership, the corporation hopes to move additional 50 to 100 containers per day from Lagos to Kano via, Apapa, Ijoko, Ilorin, Minna, and Kaduna.
The Director of Operations and Commercial of the corporation, Mr Akin Osinowo, described ICNL as a long standing customer of the NRC.
“The ICNL is a long standing customer of the corporation, and some of the factors that led to the stoppage of cargo movement especially on the narrow gauge is being addressed.
“Issues such as insecurity, especially between Minna and Kaduna, and the washouts of several portions of the rail tracks among others, are being aggressively addressed either by the corporation’s team of engineers or by the Federal Government,” he said.
Osinowo said the corporation was in talks with some manufacturers such as Dangote Group and BUA.
He said the NRC would continue to service Lafarge Africa by taking its cement consignments from Ewekoro to Osogbo and Ilorin to boost the railway’s haulage capacity.
The NRC management and ICNL expressed commitment to continue their engagement and draw a roadmap for quick commencement of container freight to Kaduna and Kano on the western line. (NAN)
The African Union (AU) has appointed Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, to serve a four-year term on the AU Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Peace, Security, and Governance in Africa.
This prestigious appointment recognizes his extensive experience and dedication to advancing democratic governance and technological innovation across the continent.
The Advisory Group was established following a resolution by the AU Peace and Security Council in June 2024 that mandates the AU Commission to establish an advisory group to study the impact of and harness the potential of AI in peace, security and governance.
Samson Itodo is a renowned community organizer with extensive expertise in African politics, elections, social movements and youth development.
Samson has been pivotal in advancing electoral integrity and democracy in Africa.
He has also been instrumental in encouraging the inclusion of young people in politics.
One of his most notable achievements is the successful #NotTooYoungToRun global campaign, which significantly lowered the minimum age for elective office in Nigeria.
Samson serves on the boards of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and the Kofi Annan Foundation.
Samson holds graduate and postgraduate degrees in Law from the University of Jos and a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
As a policy advocate, he provides strategic policy advice to parliamentary committees, electoral commissions, political parties, civil society organizations, and academic institutions.
His current research spans social movements, election law, democratic innovation and African politics.
The 9-member AU Advisory Group is tasked with supporting the AU Commission in conducting a comprehensive study on the impact and implications of AI on peace, security, stability, democracy, and development in Africa.
The Group will also propose strategies to mainstream AI in elections, peace, and governance processes, leverage AI for reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction, and develop new approaches to address emerging challenges.
Additionally, the Group will guide data protection and transparency while proposing options for a continental AI governance framework.
The AU Advisory Group operates under the auspices of the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, whose office is pivotal in addressing the continent’s political stability and security challenges.
The establishment of the Advisory Group attests to the vision of the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.
It is impressive that the AU under PAPs emphasizes proactive strategies to harness AI’s potential for promoting peace, security, and development across Africa.
Samson Itodo’s appointment not only brings honor to Nigeria and West Africa but also signifies the nation/region’s active participation in continental initiatives aimed at harnessing technology for sustainable development.
His involvement is expected to foster collaboration among African nations in leveraging AI for the betterment of society.
In response to his appointment, Samson Itodo expressed his gratitude, stating:”I am honoured to serve and contribute to shaping Africa’s future through responsible AI governance in advancing elections, democracy and governance.
This is a pivotal time to ensure technology enhances peace, security, and democratic processes across the continent.
“With a distinguished career dedicated to fostering innovation, ethical leadership, and the common good, Samson Itodo brings a wealth of knowledge to this advisory role.
His appointment marks a significant milestone for his professional journey and Africa’s ongoing efforts to harness the transformative power of AI for peace, security, and democracy.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has declared that the injustice against her “will not be sustained” following her suspension from the Senate.
She made the statement on Thursday while reacting to the decision of the upper chamber of the National Assembly to suspend her for six months.
She said, “This injustice will not be sustained”, before being escorted out of the chambers.
ELANZANEWS reports that on February 20, Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a heated debate on the floor of the upper legislative chamber over a change in seating arrangements.
Days later, during an interview on Arise News, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her troubles in the Senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Akpabio.
She submitted a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Wednesday.
However, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions rejected the petition, citing breaches of due process and Senate rules.
During plenary on Thursday, the Kogi lawmaker resubmitted her petition against the Senate President.
However, the Senate’s Ethics Committee recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension for six months for engaging the Senate President in a heated debate over seating arrangements.
Israel is stepping up security measures ahead of the first Friday prayers of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Jerusalem due to concerns over violence, the police said on Thursday.
Around 3,000 security forces personnel would be deployed to ensure safety at the traditional prayer on the Temple Mount.
It is known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary in Jerusalem’s Old City, proceeds in an orderly manner, they said.
According to media reports, the number of Muslim worshippers is to be limited to 10,000.
Temple Mount, with the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque, is regarded as Islam’s third holiest site.
The remnants of the Temple on the site, known as the Western Wall, are considered the holiest site in Judaism.
The site is under Muslim administration, while Israel is responsible for its security.
In the past, there has been increased tension and violence in Jerusalem during Ramadan.
The situation was particularly tense this year due to the Gaza war and Israeli military operations, as well as settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinian Islamist organisation Hamas has called for confrontations in the city during Ramadan.
(NAN)