Itakpe Warri Rail: Test Run Of Trains Commence At Agbor - Photos

This is the Uromi Train Station heading towards Agbor. All is now set for the official kick-off of the Itakpe Warri Rail. The train did a test run today to see the effectiveness and also to see how well the contractors have faired.

It may be recalled that the 327km Standard-Gauge Itakpe Warri Rail links Itakpe in Kogi State To Ajaokuta and then to Warri, Delta State (Itakpe to Ajaokuta, 50KM; Ajaokuta to Warri, 277KM).

The Itakpe Warri Rail Line was started by President Babangida circa 1987, it was planned as a freight-only Rail, serving the Iron Ore / Steel belt between Aladja and Ajaokuta. It is now being reconfigured as a PASSENGER + Freight Rail, to maximize usefulness.

These are photos from the site at Uromi Train Station.

Construction Site

See Porsche’s Cayenne Cabrio And Other Official Prototypes You Never Knew Existed

When Porsche is mentioned, what comes to mind is opulence, luxury, and class. In Nigeria, you can count the number of people who have this brand of cars as they are scarce and very pricey.

From the secret chambers of Porsche’s Research & Development department come a whole bunch of prototypes that helped pave the road for some of today’s iconic cars.

As luck would have it, the German automaker has chosen five of them to detail on film, starting with the Porsche 984, a compact, lightweight and aerodynamic roadster.

It tipped the scales at 880 kg (1,940 lbs), had a 135 PS (133 hp / 99 kW) engine, and could reach 220 km/h (137 mph). Its sole purpose was to achieve dynamic driving characteristics with low driving resistances, rather than using a powerful engine.

Based on the first-gen Cayenne is the Porsche Cayenne Cabrio. It had a Targa roll bar, which the automaker calls “a distinctive design feature”, and came with not one, but two different rear end designs.

Obviously, the Porsche Cayenne Cabrio never made it into production, but neither did the 1987 911 Carrera 3.2 Speedster. This one had an open single-seat layout and a plastic covering for the cockpit – evocative of the 550 Spyder of the 1950s.

The Porsche Panamericana, on the other hand, was made in 1989 as a present for Ferry Porsche. The design was completed in just a few months, and it came with a zip-roof that was stored in the trunk. This prototype had 250 PS (246 hp / 184 kW) available on tap, and could reach 210 km/h (130 mph).

Porsche saved the #1 position for a very special prototype, one that basically paved the road for one of the brand’s most iconic models ever. It came with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and was shown to a handful of journalists in 2012, who got the chance to experience it first hand as well. But you’ll have to watch the following video to see the actual car.

Watch the video below...

Credit:
CarScoops

Miracle! Bus Had A Collision With Trailer, All The Passengers Came Out Alive - Photos

When you go out in the morning and arrive your home safely, you never know the miracle God has done for you.

While the year is about rounding off, it would have been a sad tale for some passengers who were involved in a ghastly motor accident while traveling to the eastern part of the country for the festive period.

According to reports, the commercial bus collided with a trailer and got stuck in the process but all the passengers including the driver came out from the crash alive.

A lady identified as Kira Ify Ofodile, who was a passenger in the bus - took to Facebook to share the good news. She wrote;

"If you where ever having doubts in God pls stop am a living testimony!! I will tell the world of his goodness !God is real,miracle happens,even in the valley of shadow death do not fear go and call on him he will appear immediately!!!

"Our bus collided with a trailer and got stuck,but God pulled all passengers out alive!!!despite the injuries sustained we are grateful.Please always be at peace with God,forgive and love ...and Trust God with all your heart ..thank you Lord"

See How This Airline Surprise Travelers On Christmas Day - Photos

While the Nigerian Airlines are treating their customers here as beggars and those that are not among their priority, those in the Western world are stepping up their games in making sure they give their flyers a unique and exciting experience.

The Alaska Airlines decided to go outside the norm and decide to give their flyers a customized sweater and T-Shirt each. Its snowing in most parts of Europe, America and other parts of the world and so the management decided to gift the flyers a sweater each to celebrate the Ugly Sweater Day/Christmas and Also to thank their loyal customers over the year.

It was earlier reported that the Abuja International Airport chased travelers out of its lobby and forced them to sleep on the roadside. Talk of a country and company that take its customers as a mini-god.

See more pictures below..

Watch the video below...

View this post on Instagram

Alaska Ugly Sweaters, gate celebrations and smiles up and down the West Coast! This year, we brought National #UglySweaterDay to new heights surprising travelers as they kicked-off their holidays! Thanks to all of our amazing guests and teammates who took part in our annual celebration.

A post shared by Alaska Airlines (@alaskaair) on Dec 22, 2018 at 10:11am PST

Abuja Airport Force Travellers To Sleep On The Roadside On Christmas Day - Photos

A Nigerian man named Rotimi Williams has taken to his Instagram page to state the humiliation and embarrassment the Abuja Airport Authority put travelers through which made them sleep outside the terminal at night.

According to him,

I thank God for hustle mentality, I have learned to make the most out of every situation. One thing is clear, Nigeria is an Under Developed Country, how do you have an international airport (Abuja) that closes and pushes people out at 2.20am in the morning (Christmas Morning) . People sleep outside on the floor, images most Nigerians will never see, but I thank God for this experience. We have a lot of work to do. #Nigeria

See more of the pictures here...

Mclaren Finally Revealed The Spyder Version Of 720s, Check Out How Much It Costs

After refreshing its Ultimate Series with the track-focused Senna and the three-seater Speedtail earlier this year, McLaren is now updating the “lower-tier” Super Series by introducing the 720S Spider. We’ve shared a plethora of drag races demonstrating the insane performance of the coupe, and the good news is the droptop version has an identical sprint to 62 mph (100 kph) time of 2.9 seconds.

That’s because McLaren has figured out a way to limit the weight penalty commanded by the more complex roof to only 49 kilograms (108 pounds). In other words, the 720S Spider has a dry weight of only 1,332 kg (2,937 lbs) and that makes it 88 kg (194 lbs) lighter “than the dry weight of its closest competitor.” Without giving any names, the folks from Woking are obviously referring to the Ferrari 488 Spider.

As far as the sprint to 124 mph (200 kph) is concerned, the 720S Spider is a tad slower than its coupe counterpart, needing 7.9 seconds or a tenth of a second more. With the roof in place, it will max out at a coupe-matching 212 mph (341 kph). Folding in down will lower the velocity to a still mighty impressive 202 mph (325 kph) or just about the same as its rival from Italy.

So, how was McLaren able to keep weight in check? By developing a new electrically actuated retractable hardtop. It’s a one-piece carbon fiber roof panel, which takes a mere 11 seconds to lower or raise, thus making it a full six seconds quicker than the 650S Spider’s top. Another improvement over its predecessor is the maximum speed at which the driver can drop the top or raise it – 31 mph (50 kph) compared to the 18.5 mph (30 kph) of the 650S Spider.

McLaren goes on to mention the hardtop is quieter in operation up to the point it’s just like the “background noise in a quiet library.” Once the roof is up, the cabin is considerably quieter than the 650S Spider’s interior, so improvements have been made across all areas thanks to the patented RHT. Visibility shouldn't be much of an issue thanks to the glazed flying buttresses, which improve over-the-shoulder visibility by 12 percent compared to the old Super Series Spider model.

At an additional cost, the 720S Spider can be equipped with a glazed RHT featuring a carbon fiber frame allowing more light to come through the roof while it’s up. Since the glass is electrochromic, drivers will be able to easily switch between tinted or transparent by simply pressing a button.

Motivation comes from the familiar twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine with 710 horsepower and 568 pound-feet (770 Newton-meters) of torque channeled to those 20-inch rear wheels through a seven-speed SSG with selectable Comfort, Sport, and Track modes.

As it’s the case with the coupe, McLaren will sell its new convertible in Standard, Performance, and Luxury flavors. A total of 23 colors are available, including this lovely new Belize Blue, plus a fresh Aztec Gold, and a Supernova Silver shade as a nod to the original 12C.

McLaren is already accepting orders for the 720S Spider and is asking $315,000 which is estimated to be #115million in the U.S. Deliveries are programmed to start in March 2019.

Merry Christmas From AutoReportNG

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isa. 9:6

May this day bring unto you joy, peace and all the blessings associated with it. 

From the AutoReportNG family, we wish you all, A Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Fun Places To Visit This Christmas In Lagos - Photos

Christmas is that period of time that Nigerians and the world look forward to! Irrespective of your religion, Christmas is a time of love, bonding and when families get to relax, have fun and time have to be together as one again. It is that period that people travel far and near to see loves one and also to share the moment with them.

Lagos is a cosmopolitan city with lots of traffic, hectic lifestyle, and all it takes to be a city. It's a city that never sleeps and so the people who live in the city never sleep as well all thanks to traffic! In Lagos, we sleep in traffic, we only visit our homes to see how far!

We can't but ignore the ups and down in the city and so when it comes to Christmas, we have to relax and we have to party hard. Lagos being the number one on the list when it comes to nightlife in Nigeria. It never disappoints fun seekers and adventure lovers. There is never a dull moment in the beautiful city of Lagos with several spots to visit and have a lot of fun, both during the day and night.

In this yuletide season, don't dull yourself, go out and have some massive fun, irrespective of what the country brings, we still have reasons to celebrate if not for anything but for the gift of life and the reason of the season which is Jesus!

AutoReportNG brings to you places you can visit and have fun in Lagos even at a friendly price or free if possible.

1. The Beach 

Gone are those days when we have the bar beach at the Victoria Island, Lagos but all thanks to the Eko Atlantic, it's no more now as the place now houses the Eko Atlantic project. But there are still some private ones within this area that still serves the purpose. If you love a serene and cool environment where you can get a feel of the nice warm weather then the beach is your stop. This provides a pleasant, fascinating and excellent holiday relaxation.

Below are some places to visit during this period..

1. Coconut beach which is in the coastal town of Badagry, west of Lagos
2. Suntan Beach
3. Lekki Beach
4. Elegushi Beach
5. Altican Beach

Gate fee ranges from 1000-2000 naira

2. The Lekki Conversation Centre, Lagos

Want to be close to nature and its serene nature? Think of LCC, Lekki. Built in 1990, Lekki conservation centre covers a land area of 78 hectares. This nature hub is run by the Nigerian conservation foundation (NCF) and If you appreciate the sight of plants and animals in their natural habitat, then this place is a must visit for you.

The NCF was set aside to sustain the natural habitation of plants, and animals as urbanization began leading to the intrusion of areas meant for them. The conservation centre is located in Lekki, immediately after Chevron, before the 2nd Lekki Toll Gate.

Gate fee range from 1000-2000 naira

3. Ikeja Shopping Mall

If you are within Lagos Mainland like Ketu, Ikeja, Airport Rd, Oshodi etc, then Ikeja Shopping Mall maybe your next spot destination for fun and networking. Ikeja Mall is a place to visit during this season as there are lots of stores, eateries and there is also a cinema for the film lovers. Not only that, you are bound to meet and connect with old friends here as it is always jampacked with massive fun.

Gate fee: Free

4. Nike Art Gallery

If you are a lover of art and culture, then the Nike Art Gallery is for you. Located in the city of Lagos at Ikate roundabout in Lekki, Nike Art Gallery is a place where you are bound to connect to the artisitic world and also get to see the beauty of art. The gallery is adorned with lots of African artists works from Nigeria and also from around the world.

The interesting place about this place is that you have the opportunity to meet, mingle and ask questions from the owner of this place, Madam Nike. Think of going outside the regular? Visit the Nike Art Gallery today

Gate Fee: Free

5. Amusement Parks

The culture of parks is fasting dying in Nigeri, all thanks to poor management and lack of maintenance, many parks that used to be a place of fun are closing down because the maintenance is high. Parks are places the kids and adults go and relax, have fun, play with Santa Claus and mingle with friends and associates.

There are only a few parks in Lagos that one can go and have fun and these are listed below...

1. Freedom Park: is located at Old Prison Ground Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos.
2. Apapa Amusement Park: park 34, Randle Road, Lagos.
3. Muri Okunola Park: is located at Ahmadu Bello Way, Lagos
4. Scenario Amusement Park: For the people living around Ikorodu, it's located at Scenario Avenue Igbodu Junction, Ikorodu, Lagos.

6. Terra Kulture, VI

Terra Kulture and Nike Art Gallery are both closely related, as both promote and celebrate Africa works, crafts, and creativity.

Terra Kulture is a privately owned educational and recreational centre; a perfect place for the lovers of art, culture, and everything African. Located in the Victoria Island area of Lagos City, Terra Kulture has a mini library or information centre on Nigeria and Africa.

The center’s mini library is stocked with books, contemporary journals and magazines, and wireless internet facilities and flat screen computers for its members.

Terra Kulture is a very popular spot amongst the expatriate's community and it offers visitors an opportunity to see Nigerian arts and crafts on a display for those wanting to learn about Nigerian cultures and languages.

The centre also features a multi-purpose hall with facilities for drama presentation, conferences and seminars; and a cozy restaurant portraying the richness of Nigerian cuisines.