Accident Throws Man's Leg into Lagoon

An Accident between a red Toyota and a Danfo bus on Third Mainland Bridge this morning has thrown a passenger leg into the Lagoon.

The victim, a passenger in the Danfo bus was seating in the front when the incident happened.

His limb was reported to have been entangled within crash barriers on the.bridge before eventually falling into the lagoon.

RRS riders and monitors at the scene subsequently called for emergency unit to help recover the missing leg.

Recovery effort by the Marine Police and a team of RRS officials is in progress while the man has been moved to Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos.

The vehicles have been moved by LASEMA Response Unit to avoid congestion.

Photos: Courtesy RRS Riders and Monitor.

Top 3 Cars Used By Nigerian Politicians

An average Nigerian man loves to show off in wealth and affluence, no wonder the elders said, if wishes were horses, even the beggers will ride. Nigeria, a home to 170 million people is a nation you can't but marvel at its diversity, our culture and our political terrain as a nation even confuse the foreign watchers. According to the report released to the public in 2014, Nigeria legislators are the highest paid in the world, with a whooping sum of $1.7million for a senator and $1.45million for house in house of representaives. With these money they can buy things life wish to offer. Taking a break from our legislators, our govenors, ministers and other political appointees are not left behind in the jamboree. Nigerians love for cars can not be overemphasised, it was reported in the news recently of a man who owns 13 cars (as in seriously? 13 luxury cars). We bring to you the top 3 exotic cars used by our politicians and these include from the president, vice president, senate president and others.

1. Mercedes Benz 550

From Pres. Buhari to Vice Pres. Osibanjo, Senate Pres. Dr. Bukola Saraki and other govenors, they have something in common, their love for Mercedes Benz products. Our investigation however reveled that about 80% of the govenors use Mercedes Benz as either their official car or they have it in the garage. The president for example uses Armoured Mercedes Benz 550 4MATIC car as its official, same applies to the vice, the senate president and the list goes on. One may wonder, why Mercedes and why are these politicians stuck to this product? Mercedes Benz has craved a niche for itself when it comes to security, luxury and new innovations. Its a brand which has been tested, tried and trusted over the years, no politician will want to risk his/her life in an OEM car.

2. Range Rover

So far we have only seen two governors in the Range Rover brand, maybe its due to the reason that the brand is very expensive and not all governors can afford it, but two governors have stood out and were able to make it part of their official cars. Gov Wike of Rivers state and Gov. Ambode of Lagos state so far are those ones we see driving this brand. According to an online report, this brand costs a whopping sum of (50-70million naira) to purchase. Only the big boys can afford such. A look at these models is nothing short of beast, they are highly sophiscated to withstand any form of bomb or bullect attack. According to Ranger Rover's website, The Sentinel is certified to VR8 standard against ballistic threats by QinetiQ, which means it can withstand 7.62 mm high-velocity, armor-piercing incendiary rounds, 15 kg (33 lb) TNT explosions, and DM51 grenades going off both beneath the floor and on the roof. In addition, there's an anti-tamper exhaust, a self-sealing fuel tank, and an auxiliary back-up battery with a split charging system.

3. Lexus LX 570

The most common SUV in every politicians garage is the Lexus brand. From Ogun to Lagos to Oyo to Imo almost all politicians love Lexus brand for its simplicity and luxury lifestyle. The brand according to reports costs within 50-100 million for its amoured version.

Toyota FV2 Futuristic Vehicle Doesn’t Use Steering Wheel, You Shift Your Body to Steer!

Toyota has released several concept vehicles during 43rd Tokyo Motor Show, one of them is Toyota FV2 futuristic vehicle, the show will run from Nov 20 to Dec 1. This concept vehicle represents Toyota’s slogan “Fund to Drive, Again”, this is Toyota’s vision of our future mobility where the society values the joy of driving like never before. This project symbolizes Toyota’s efforts to contribute to future mobility while creating better vehicle that exceed expectations.

In the future, we believe our vehicle technology would have greatly progressed which also means we would experience enhanced driving experience. FV2 tries to connect the driver physically and emotionally with the vehicle, the more you use it, the more fun to drive the vehicle.

Toyota FV2 doesn’t use a steering wheel, instead, it is operated by the driver shifting his or her body to intuitively move the vehicle forward, back, left, or right. Can you imagine driving your car like this? It would be awesome experience. This futuristic vehicle features intelligent transport system technology to connect with other vehicles in the area and traffic infrastructure, it offers safe driving by providing a variety of safety information such as blind spots and advance warnings.

When you ride FV2, you grow with your vehicle. It’s one of Toyota’s visions to be able to develop driver-vehicle relationship of trust and understanding, just like a rider has with his/her horse. The artificial intelligence of this vehicle can recognize driver’s mood through his/her voice and facial expression, it will then accumulate driving history to suggest destinations. The augmented reality display on the windshield can be adjusted at will to create more intimate environment between vehicle and driver.

Uber Announces Plans For Flying Taxi Cars In Dallas And Dubai In 2020

Uber is hoping to break its streak of bad news by announcing plans to launch its much-hyped flying taxi service in 2020.

Announced at the Elevate conference in Dallas today, the ride-hailing giant has teamed up with the cities of Dallas-Fort Worth and Dubai to begin the new initiative. The Verge reports Uber will also be working with Hilwood Properties to identity potential heliports, dubbed “vertiports" in Uber speak, for the service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The company has partnered with five different manufacturers to design and develop vertical takeoff and landing aircrafts which are lightweight and electrically powered. Before you decide to write the idea off, there are some big names involved including Bell Helicopters and Embraer.

Unlike traditional flights, the service promises to be relatively affordable as Uber Chief Product Officer Jeff Holden told Reuters the company can get costs down to "$1.32 per passenger mile" in early operations. That makes the service slightly more expensive than UberX but he believes prices will drop in the long term.

If everything goes according to plan, Uber could be conducting passenger flights at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai.

Types of people you will meet in a public bus in Lagos

Lagos can be an interesting place to live. Lagos is a home to 15million people and its been estimate that at least 3 million cars and buses pile the road regularly. Among these sets of cars and buses will you see the exotic, the classy, those that oppress with their cars (shout-out to all those celebrities who buy 20 million cars) and also you find the public buses where an average man falls into. These buses can be didved into 2 different part, the government owned (LAGBUS, BRT) and the Union/Individual owned (Molue, Danfo, NURTW). Boarding commercial buses can be fun at times especially when you are having a bored moment at work. My friend once said anytime he is not feeling too well, he boards Molue bus and he will be praying there should be a topic of discussion or that two passengers just pick on their selves, it may be fun and it maybe otherwise. We bring to you types of people you will meet when you board a public transport using Lagos as a case study..

1. The Sleepers: These set of people sleep practically all the journey. Some even go to the extent of snoring. My uncle fall into this category, bros can sleep anywhere even when we went to board ferry, bros still sleep.. Tuwale baba!!!

2. The Talkatives: These are the political pundits and football analysts. They can quote how much was recovered from Osborne towers, Messi's salary in a year, how Buhari refused to had over power to Osibanjo etc. The talkatives raise discussions on different issues. They can talk for hours uninterrupted.

3. The Music Freaks: These ones plug in their ear- piece as soon as the journey begins. They listen to music non-stop until they alight from the vehicle.

4. The Gluttons: The gluttons buy food and drinks at the slightest opportunity. Some can even eat all
through the journey. They buy fruits, walnuts,drinks chips, gala e.t.c

5. The Cautioners: These set of people always caution the driver whenever he is over- speeding. Women are mostly found in this category especially the Yorubas. They keep saying “life has no duplicate”

6. The Fat People (mostly ladies): When Jesus said in the scriptures "Occupy till I come", these are the people Jesus is talking to. They occupy virtually all the space on the seat. They are so annoying. They can even squeeze life out of you. You can only curse them silently!

7. The Thieves: These set of people are what the Bible talked about in John 10:10. The thieves steal from unsuspecting passengers. They steal money and phones. These set of people are the most dangerous in the bus.

8. The Preachers/ Prayer warriors: God bless your soul you board a bus with the Lord's Chosen folks or people from CAC, you are done for it. They lead prayers immediately the journey begins. They also preach and share tracts.

9. The Gentle: These sets of people sit all by themself throughout the journey. They either talk or join in the discussion in the bus, let the driver speed from Lagos to Togo, OYO is your name.

10. Quarrelsome: These sets can best be called the jesters, they pick on people to make jokes, God bless you you replicate, they turn in to a shouting match. I experienced this lately, a guy picked on virtually people in the bus including the driver, a lady just picked on him about the quality of his, na so kasala burst oo, it took the intervention of the passengers for this guy not to slap the lady, its that bad.

Having said all and done, which category do you fall into? No lie oo

Rain Driving Tips For Nigerian Drivers

Whenever we are approaching the 3rd or 4th month of the year, this is an indication that the rains are here.....and driving under the rain sometimes can be somehow. I was with a friend sometimes last week on the Island and it started raining, and driving from the Island to Festac in the rain was so stressful, as in I no see anything, na grace carry us reach our destination.

So today we will be giving tips on how to drive safely when its raining.

1. Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times

Keep all distractions, such as cell phones or even the radio, off and away from you. While focus to your front do Take a Look in Back View Mirror as well Right Hand side & Left Hand side so that you get an 360 degree over view what is happening around any mud slide or falling tree, electric pole, hanging electrical wires , or in coming hazard etc.

2. Turn on your headlights for good visual

This will make it easier for you to see what is in front of you; thus, preventing any accidents.

3. Keep a minimum of five car length from the car in front of you.

You never know what other drivers are going to do or what could happen to you! If that feels too close or too far a rule of thumb is 1 second of following distance per 10 mph (16 km/h). That holds true especially in bad weather.

4. Drive at or below the speed limit.

Remember that its raining and the ground willing be wet thereby reducing the fricition of the brakes. It is advisable you drive as a speed that you can easily control and go along with even if things want to go hay-wire. Remember you are not going for Formula 1 race.

5. Be aware that the maximum speed at which you can drive is DIRECTLY related to your tires.

Nothing makes a journey a good or bad one than having a reliable tire. Be sure to know the condition of your tyres. Radial tires have better traction than the old bias ply polyester tires, but even they lose their ability to grip wet pavement and channel water out as the tread wears out.

6. Be aware of hydroplaning.

Hydroplanning can be defined as a situation in which a vehicle slides out of control on a wet road This is where your vehicle travels on top of the water and has NO or very little contact with the ground. Your traction is reduced significantly. To safely get out of a hydroplaning situation let off the gas and steer straight or slightly in the direction you must go. Do not make sudden motions and remain calm.

7. Avoid flooded roads.

If you are a Lagos driver, by now you ought to have an idea of no go areas when it rains. Areas like Apapa, Wharf, Oshodi should be deserted or if possible, its advisable to go with the public transport. Never drive through standing or flowing water in a road way unless you have no choice or you are able to follow someone else to judge the depth of the water. Flooding the engine of your car can cause the engine to stall, and deep water can actually float your car and take it off the roadway.

8.Turn on the defroster if the windshield begins to fog.

When it rains, there are likely tendencies that your windshield gets foggy thereby affecting the proper visibility of the driver, the best way to avoid this is to turn on your defroster. In hot, muggy weather, air conditioned air (which cannot contain as much moisture) will usually clear the inside of the windshield faster than non air conditioned.

9. Brakes can be hydrophobic too

Driving in rain may be fun especially when the roads are good and the car is in good shape, but caution needs to be taken when it comes to brakes. Wet drum type brakes are prone to a decrease in stopping power after driving through deep water.

10. Watch for splashing from potholes and pools of water that accumulate at clogged storm drain pipes and low areas of the pavement.

Highways also develop “ruts” where the heaviest traffic tracks, and you may be able to position your vehicle while remaining in your lane to avoid these.

Comply with the law or be ready to face the music - LASTMA

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) urged motorists to voluntarily comply with the relevant traffic laws operating in the state, vowing to deal decisively with violators in accordance with the law.

LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr Olawale Musa, who stated this after meeting with the zonal heads and commanders at the agency’s headquarters in Oshodi, said the agency was appalled with recent action of some motorists who had formed the habit of flouting traffic laws and disregarding directives of traffic personnel on the roads.

The agency, he disclosed, had also commenced imposing strict sanctions on recalcitrant drivers especially in Ojodu, Berger and other parts of the state who have converted the newly constructed lay-bys into motor parks.

According to him, such road indiscipline and lawlessness were capable of returning chaos and disorderliness to the roads, warning that LASTMA would not condone it and any motorist caught would be dealt with accordingly.

Dangote Rolls Out Nigeria-Assembled Trucks, Targets 10,000 Vehicles

Dangote Sinotruck West Africa Limited on Tuesday rolled out its first set of locally assembled Chinese trucks as it began an eight-hour shift, assembling between four and five trucks per day at its Lagos-based plant.

The Group General Manager, Projects, Mr. Hikmat Thapa, who spoke in company with other senior managers of the company after conducting journalists round the assembly plant in Ikeja, said it was the first phase of the project.

He said that the second phase would begin in June with two shifts per day and hoped to do 24 hours daily operation moving from Semi-Knocked Down components to Completely Knocked Down (parts) assembly.



“As soon as we move on to 24-hour daily operation, we will churn out between 20 and 30 trucks per day. We are starting with SKD and now waiting for the CKD parts coming at the end of the month,” he said.

Thapa said the project was a joint venture between Dangote, owned by Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Sinotruck of China, with the former controlling 65 per cent, and the later, 35 per cent.

According to him, the plant, with installed capacity to assemble 10,000 trucks annually, will take care of local demand as well as produce for export to some West African countries.

Thapa also hinted about the company’s plan to start producing the cabin needed by the locally assembled vehicles, which would signal the inclusion of local content in the truck production venture.

He said engine production was part of the programme of the company but did not give details.

The company said, in a statement, it would assemble and produce full range of commercial vehicles covering heavy duty truck, medium truck, light truck and other semi-trailers, which would create 3,000 jobs for Nigerians.

“It will also provide new employment opportunities, improve local automobile technology, equipment and technology level, promote the economic development in Nigeria,” it added.

Giving a background of the technical partner, it stated, “Sinotruk (Hong Kong) Limited, which was eestablished in 1960, has the largest production and export base for heavy-duty truck in China.”

Key Not in Vehicle Warning Light, What Does This Mean?

Key fobs have come a long way since they were first introduced. Originally, they were designed to unlock the doors with the press of a button. Nowadays, many security systems are capable of doing much more. Some cars are able to sense when the driver is approaching the vehicle with the key and doors will unlock automatically.

Another addition to this safety system is remote keyless ignition, which allows you to start the car without inserting the key anywhere. The key sends out a coded radio signal to let the car know that the correct key is being used.

What the key not in vehicle warning light means

The keyless entry system may differ from one manufacturer to another, so read through the owner’s manual for more information on how your specific keyless system works.

Cars equipped with keyless ignition will have a warning light on the dash to let you know if the correct key fob hasn’t been detected. Some of these systems may also let you know when the correct key has been detected and you can start the engine. Typically, the warning light will be orange or red if the key isn't detected, and a green light to let you know if the key is in range.

If the battery dies in the key fob, it won’t be able to communicate with the car and you won’t be able to start the car. Try replacing the batteries in the fob if this warning light comes on even when you have the right key with you in the vehicle. If a new battery doesn’t fix the issue, it is possible that the key has lost it’s programming and is not sending the correct code to start the vehicle. There is a procedure to force the key to relearn the correct code so you can start the car again. This procedure will vary between different models and some may require a diagnostic test to be performed.

Is it safe to drive with the key not in vehicle warning light on?

While the car should operate normally, you may not be able to restart the engine if you turn it off. If the key fob battery is low, there should be a backup process to start the vehicle so you can still use it.

If the code has been lost, may need to forcefully re-program the key. In this case, it may be necessary to go to the dealership where they have the equipment to perform the procedure. If your key fob doesn’t register correctly, our certified technicians would be able to help you identify the issue.

FG to buy 20 aircraft for aviation college

The Federal Government is to buy 20 aircraft to equip Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria and make it a centre of excellence.

Mr. Hadi Sirika, Minister of State for Aviation, confirmed on Monday in Abuja that NCAT had also taken delivery of a brand new Diamond DA24NG.

The minister, who launched the new aircraft in Zaria said that the aircraft would improve the training capacity of the college.

He observed that the current aircraft in use were highly expensive to maintain, adding that the college would now be more competitive and dynamic in the global aviation industry.

Sirika lauded the efforts of the management of the college especially for introducing courses in line with the guidelines of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

“I am aware of efforts by NCAT to run National Diploma and Higher National Diploma; be rest assured, you will have our full support and that of the president.”

The minister charged staff of the college to seek for more knowledge because the world had changed from resource based economy to knowledge-based.

Earlier, the Rector of the college, Capt. Abdussalami Mohammed, said the college currently has 29 trainer aircraft.

“These aircraft used for ab-initio training TB9, Trinidad TB20GT and Beech Baron 58 are old, the earliest being purchased 15 years ago and quite expensive to fuel and maintain,’’ he said.

The rector said the new trainer aircraft would significantly improve the flight training experience and reduce operating cost.

He added that the newly acquired aircraft was equipped with glass cockpit and garmin 1000, which would make it easier for graduating pilots to transit to new generation commercial aircraft.

FCT seeks AfDB loan for BRT

Indications have emerged that the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) pioneered in Nigeria by the Lagos State Government will soon be replicated in the Federal Capital City (FCT), Abuja.

The Secretary, FCT Transportation Secretariat, Alhaji Hamid Suleiman, has disclosed that the administration has applied for a loan of $100 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the provision of BRT in the Territory.

Suleiman told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the BRT will be plying from the Eagle Square in Abuja to Auta Balaifi in Nasarawa State.

However, he explained that the loan was not part of the Federal Government borrowing plan.

“Meanwhile, $950,000 CTF grant has been approved for preparatory study of the pilot BRT corridor which is between Eagle Square and Auta Balaifi in Nasarawa state,’’ he said.

He said that the Nigerian Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF) is sponsored by Department for International Development (DfID) and administered by Adam Smith International of London.

“It is to facilitate and accelerate infrastructure reform and policy development, institutional strengthening, legislation, capacity building, planning and regulation.

“NIAF has successfully conducted studies on FCT Travel Demand Survey, Conceptual Design of BRT infrastructure.

“It has also conducted viability studies of BRT services for FCT with the supervision of the BTR & TR,’’ he said.

The scribe noted that there has been improvement to ensure safety and orderly flow of traffic in the city.

Suleiman said the improvement include road markings, installation of traffic signs and signals, installation of delineators and other traffic control devices.

He said there was also the provision of cat-eye road signs, construction of bus shelters, installation of red light cameras and removal of speed bumps where necessary.

Higer Bus to Build Bus Plant in Nigeria

As the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) is gaining wider acceptance and accolades, Higer Bus Company Limited of China is concluding plans to build a world class bus manufacturing plant in Nigeria. Towards this end, Higer Bus is entering into a tripartite partnership with two other Nigerian companies, Globe Motors and Asia-Africa International FZE Company located in Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Senior officials from Higer Bus are currently in Lagos holding series of meetings with their Nigerian partners; working out detailed logistics required to commence bus building through Semi Knocked Down (SKD) assembly operations but with firm commitment to upgrade to manufacturing operations within a short timeline. 

The partnership is being mid-wived by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) represented at the meeting by the Acting Director General, Mr. Luqman Mamudu.
Mr. Mamudu was presented with a prototype image of Higer Bus by officials of the company at the meeting.

Higer Bus Company Limited, also known as Higer Bus, is a Chinese bus manufacturer based in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. It was established at the end of 1998. HIGER is China's leading exporter of buses and coaches whose products are available in more than 100 countries and territories in South Asia, Middle East, Africa, Russia, East Europe and the Americas and the company continues to experience significant annual growth in both market expansion and production capability.

Higer Bus and Coach is the third largest and the fastest growing bus manufacturer in the world. It is known for its innovation and dedication to research and development.

Higer's manufacturing facility in the Jiangsu Province China has the capacity to produce 35,000 buses per year. The production base for medium, large and city buses covers 800,000 sqm (equivalent to 45 Melbourne Cricket Ground fields) and hosts advanced-equipped assembly lines.

Because quality is not negotiable, Higer has strictly implemented the quality standards of the national CCC certification, ISO/TS16949 and ISO14001. Higer has established strict regulations on the screening, assessment and verification of suppliers, with all the spare parts coming from reliable advanced enterprises, both domestic and international. 

Higer has over 300 different bus and coach models from 5-18 meters in length, commercial/tourism coaches, city buses, energy buses, school buses, mini buses, coaster series, commuter buses and pick-up vans.

All Higer vehicles are reputed to be safe, fuel efficient, reliable and durable. The company presently employs more than 6000 people worldwide.

The Volkswagen ID CROZZ Concept is a self driving electric SUV

Volkswagen unveils its latest addition to the electric ID car family at auto Shanghai. Following the premieres of the ‘ID’ (Paris, 2016) and ‘ID buzz’ (Detroit, 2017), the ‘ID CROZZ’ previews as a charismatic crossover: the concept car features a 500 km range, all-wheel drive, and autopilot mode. the ‘ID CROZZ’ is scheduled for production in 2020 as a member of a new generation of Volkswagen electric vehicles.

Volkswagen conceptualizes the ‘ID CROZZ’ as a sporty, interactively designed zero-emissions vehicle – with an electric all-wheel drive that is equally impressive in the urban environment, as it is on the tracks. The concept car delivers the power of 225 kW, has a top speed of 180 km/h and covers up to 500 kilometers on one charge. The high-performance battery can be charged to 80% of its energy capacity in 30 minutes using a fast-charging system (at 150 kW DC power).

The zero emission design of the concept car expresses its electric mobility DNA in every component. One dominant visual characteristic is the light signature for Volkswagen electric mobility. The light elements – C-shaped LED daytime running lights and variably controllable LED headlights – merge to form a front end with electronic moving ‘eyes’ (‘interactive spotlight’). in ‘ID pilot’ mode, these ‘eyes’ communicate with other road users.

The ‘ID CROZZ’ is more compact than Volkswagen's latest production SUV, the ‘Tiguan’, which is also produced as the ‘Tiguan all space’ (Europe). yet the concept vehicle provides just as much space, and this is because it is based on the new architecture for Volkswagen electric vehicles. The suspension and drivetrain modules are positioned far to the outsides of the vehicle and exhibit very compact construction. The battery is fully integrated with the vehicle floor, while the seat configuration offers great flexibility – a generously proportioned ‘open space’.