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NRC Debunks Rumour Of Bandits Attacks

Published

5 years ago

September 15, 2020

… Security agencies will intervene.

JOEL AJAYI

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said on Tuesday that the reports on bandits attacks on Abuja-Kaduna train KA4 between Asham and Kubwa on Monday afternoon and night was false.

In a statement issued by the Media Assistant to the Minister of Transportation Mrs Taiye Elebiyo-Edeni in Abuja.

NRC Managing Director, Engr. Fidet Okhiria, said that along Abuja-Kaduna route, there are always hoodlums that usually throw heavy stones at the moving train.

He, however, said that one of the suspects has been arrested stating that the corporation has reached out to security agencies to ensure that such ugly incidence would not happen again.

“There was no bandits attacks on the train, it’s just a rumour otherwise they will see the bullet all over the train. It was hoodlums that threw stones on the train and because the Police got one suspect, at night more hoodlums came out to attack the train in protest against the arrest made in the afternoon.

“NRC has, however, spoken to security agencies to help us prevent such future occurrences and intervene in the matter, so they will know how best to deal with the situation.

“We however, urged the public using the train not to panic, as the Minister of Transportation and NRC will ensure safety of Nigerians on that route.”

Also, Paschal Nnorli, the Manager Abuja-Kaduna Train Service said that the train got to Idu station yesterday and there was no bandits attack.

“The attention of Nigerian Railway Corporation has been drawn to fake online news that the KA4 train from Kaduna to Abuja was attacked this afternoon(Monday) by armed bandits between Asham and Kubwa.

“This news is false. In between Asham and Kubwa sections, some hoodlums threw stones and broke the windscreen of our locomotive. The crew and armed police escort went after them, the train, however, continued its trip down to Idu,” he said.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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