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Abuja-Kaduna highway most dangerous route In Africa-Senate

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The Senate Wednesday labeled the popular Abuja-Kaduna highway the most dangerous in Africa due to the activities of kidnappers and armed bandits operating on the expressway.

The position of the upper chamber may be contrary to the declaration of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu who assured travelers plying the route that the road had been cleared of undesirable elements terrorising travelers on the road.

Senator Shehu Sani had, while contributing to a motion on “Urgent need to increase the number of couches to the Abuja-Kaduna railway line” described Abuja-Kaduna highway as one of the most dangerous in Africa.

Senator James Manager countered that the highway is not one of the most dangerous but the most dangerous road in Africa.

The Delta Central Senator added that it is apparent that only those who wanted to commit suicide would ply the road.

Sani said that the motion should be the saving grace for the rich and poor.

He added that the government should take steps to patronize local manufacturers for the production of couches.

Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South) on his own noted that what should be done was to increase the frequency of the train service between Abuja and Kaduna.

Na’Allah said that the impression should not be created that Abuja-Kaduna expressway had been abandoned to kidnappers and bandits.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, described the motion as very important.

The Lagos East Senator told his colleagues that he just came back from China, a trip that was necessitated by the pressure on the rail lines.

He said that the Federal Government had paid for 64 couches eight of which will be delivered within eight weeks.

Senator Magnus Abe said that the Senate should take into cognizance the fact the rail lines were built with borrowed funds.

The Rivers South East Senator said that the view of the Nigerian Railway Corporation should be taken into account in relation to fare.

Ndume in his lead debate noted with concern the undue pressure on existing facilities at the Abuja-Kaduna railway line.

Most passengers’ en-route Abuja-Kaduna, he said, have turned to the railway as a safer means of transportation.

Ndume said that he is aware that the surge in the patronage of the rail services may have been attributed to its safety, comfort, convenience and perhaps affordability, which have drawn many commuters following the high risks on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway that is threatened by kidnappers, armed robbers and other kinds of criminals.

The surge, he added, has led to rowdiness during ticket purchase and survival of the fittest for passengers willing to buy tickets across the counters as officials deliberately hoard and sold tickets to the highest bidders.

He observed that the daily schedule for Abuja-Kaduna from Monday to Sunday is: 7am, 2pm and 6pm except for Wednesday with only trips at 7am and 6pm.

Ndume said that he is aware that huge numbers of travelers jostle for ticket sold at N1, 500 after queuing for about two hours to enable them stand for two hours trip.

The Borno south senator who said that every good thing usually face its share of challenges, noted that “what the rail transit (Abuja-Kaduna) is faced with is shortage in the number of available couches which explains the long queues recorded at the stations.

He expressed worry that Nigerians willing to use the rail lie service are now meant to queue up for hours before boarding due to the increased demand.

Ndume prayed the Senate to urge the Federal Government to deploy more couches to the Abuja-Kaduna rail line to ameliorate the plight of the passengers as well as urge the Nigerian Railway Corporation to reduce the fare from N1, 500 to N600 to make it affordable to the general public.

At end of the debate the Senate resolved to urge the NRC to review the fare structure in relation to cost.

It also asked the Federal Government to deploy more couches to the Abuja-Kaduna rail line to ameliorate the plight of the passengers

 

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

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Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

 What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022. 

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further;  “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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