The Super Eagles, again, had to settle for a 1-1 draw on Day 2 of the FIFA World Cup qualifying African series after a tame performance failed to lift them above the Warriors of Zimbabwe in neutral Rwandan ground on Sunday.
Walter Musona put the Warriors in front after 26 minutes with a 35-yard free-kick that eluded goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and sailed into the net.
The Eagles did not play with the stronger mentality and determination they espoused after the 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo on Thursday, as the Warriors, who played their own game against Rwanda a day earlier and better-rested, showed more hunger and desire for the three points.
Moses Simon’s stout shielding of the ball and good decision in the box allowed Kelechi Iheanacho to slam past the goalkeeper for Nigeria’s equalizer after 67 minutes in Butare.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume in June 2024 with Nigeria hosting South Africa, current leaders of Group C, before travelling to an away game against Benin Republic.
Nigeria’s main rivals in the Group C of the World Cup qualifiers, South Africa, have taken the lead after MatchDay 1. The Bafana Bafana this Saturday beat Benin Republic 2-1 in South Africa. The win, the first in the group has taken South Africa to the top, with three points. Nigeria and Lesotho are joint second with a point and goal each. Rwanda and Zimbabwe also with a point but no goal followed. Benin with no point and the only defeated side so far in the group are last. South Africa made hays early in the game, scoring in the second minute through Percy Tau. Johnson Mudau doubled the lead in the second minute of the added time of the first half.
Steve Mounie pulled a goal back for Benin Republic in the 70th minute. Nigeria begin the MatchDay 2 of the group with a dicey tie with Zimbabwe in Rwanda on Sunday. A win will give Nigeria a lead ahead of highly predictable duel of Lesotho against South Africa as Bafana Bafana travel to Rwanda to for their Matchday 2 on Tuesday.
In its drive to commit to cleaner transportation, Lagos state is set to get 50 electric buses by the first quarter of 2024.
This was revealed by Olukemi Amore, head of bus services at Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), at the 2023 Nordic Nigeria Connect on Tuesday.
“For the next phase of electric buses, we will see 50 electric buses come into Lagos,” she said.
She said it is one of Lagos state’s plans to transition to cleaner mobility and reduce emissions in line with Sustainable Development Goals 11, 13 and the Lagos State Government’s THEME’S Agenda.
Lagos State currently has two electric buses that have been in operation since May 2023.
Other initiatives taken towards cleaner mobility by LAMATA include partnerships with private operators to run CNG buses in Lagos (2 different bus types), Participation in the World Bank study on Electric Mobility in Nigeria, a feasibility study on renewable fuel (Biodiesel and Biogas) for Public Transportation (Funded by SWEDFUND) and the partnership with the private sector to pilot electric buses for public transport operations in Lagos.
She said the demand for trips in the Lagos megacity region by all modes (including walking) is 22 million per day.
Amore said in 2011, Nigeria had the fourth highest CO2 emission from fuel combustion in Africa, after South Africa, Egypt and Algeria, respectively and by 2016, the transport sector, with a 32 per cent share, was the most significant contributor to a nationwide Fossil CO2 emission from fuel combustion that year.
She noted that the vision for LAMATA is to operate a multi-fueled public transport network, and one such way is through the Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP) implementation.
“Execution of projects within the STM will result in an emission level less than eight million tonnes per annum, representing over 50 per cent reduction in emissions from the 2032 BAU level,” she said.
Also, on the same panel, Francis Lechat, head of West Africa SCANIA, a popular truck and bus manufacturer, mentioned that they will reintroduce used trucks to Nigeria again in 2024.
He said they had done this in the past.
Still, he stopped because most of the models of the used trucks across Europe and North America use Euro 5 diesel engines, and diesel produced in Nigeria contains a lot of sulphur, which is Euro2&3, so introducing used trucks to the country will cause frequent damages to the trucks lousy PR to the company.
He noted that with the emergence of the Dangote refinery, which intends to produce Euro-5 diesel.
“We are bringing back the Used Trucks, but the commencement is pertinent on the start of Dangote refinery,” Lechat said
South African Airways (SAA) has made a few new upgrades to its International Premium Lounge at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
Officially opened on Monday, 13 November, The Lounge, as it’s known, was the first of the airline’s lounges to get upgraded, as part of an endeavour to renovate and refresh all SAA lounges.
Next up for renovation early next year is the first-class Platinum lounge, also at OR Tambo, followed by upgrades at SAA’s domestic lounges in Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.
The newly refurbished lounge now features contemporary designs in furniture and fittings, as well a carefully curated art collection.
A variety of comfortable areas now available at the lounge includes a quiet zone, meetings suites and private suites.
There is also a buffet menu available throughout the day, as well as a specially-designed A la Carte menu for passengers to enjoy.
A new bar also features, serving up coffee, cocktails, mocktails and South African wines and bubbly.
O. R. Tambo International Airport (IATA: JNB, ICAO: FAOR) is an international airport serving the twin cities of Johannesburg and the main capital of South Africa, Pretoria.
It is situated in Kempton Park, Gauteng. It serves as the primary airport for domestic and international travel for South Africa and since 2020, it is Africa’s second busiest airport, with a capacity to handle up to 28 million passengers annually.
The airport serves as the hub for South African Airways. The airport handled over 21 million passengers in 2017.
It was originally known as Jan Smuts International Airport, after the former South African Prime Minister of the same name.
The airport was renamed Johannesburg International Airport in 1994 when the newly elected African National Congress (ANC) government implemented a policy of not naming airports after politicians.
This policy was later reversed, and on 27 October 2006 the airport was renamed after anti-apartheid politician Oliver Reginald Tambo (1917–1993).
Navala Village is an authentic traditional village in the Ba Highlands of the largest island of the Republic of Fiji, Viti Levu.
Known most of the time as the last traditional Fijian village on the island nation, there are approximately 220 houses which are named as bures, and they are traditionally built from bamboo and grass.
Navala is nestled in rugged, grassy mountains which means that the people’s lifestyle is traditional in fashion with no electricity and telephone systems, depending on subsistence farming, fishing and hunting.
There are actually three settlements which are making up the entire village, and as every bures is same in size, it means that people living in Navala are all equal, making it a quite unique and special place to be seen.
Once there, there are great panoramic views of the Yasawa Island group, nonetheless, the village itself is a photographer’s delight and for a small entrance fee.
One can wander around the village and enjoy in the amazing nature that surrounds the village, together with the experience of how the locals are living with the nature.
The Queen Elizabeth Quay Bridge is a pedestrian and cycling suspension bridge which is located over the Swan River in the central core of the capital and largest city of the State of Western Australia, Perth, within the southwestern part of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Since Elizabeth Quay started receiving great attention from the visitors coming to this grandiose city, the Quay is considered to be a tourist attraction with the efforts from the West Australian Government to revitalize the central part of the city.
Nowadays, this should not be missed whenever here, especially with its other numerous attractions.
This unique and quite amazing bridge is part of the recreational route along the Swan River where it provides a connecting link between the promenades, the island and Barrack Street Jetty.
Officially unveiled to the general public on 29 January 2016, this amazing structure is 120 meters (394 feet) long, 5 meters (16 feet) wide and with height of about 22 meters (72 feet) high, offering 360 degrees views across the gorgeous Swan River.
There are two 45 meters (148 feet) spans that connect in the middle, and its uniquely designed arches are sweeping gracefully towards the river while resting on concrete piers.
Designed by Arup Associates with very careful thoughts on how to balance everything, and the result is actually mesmerizing, having in mind that the bridge allows for continuous movement of pedestrians and cyclists around the Elizabeth Quay, and it also is like a mirror of each of its sides.
All in all, Queen Elizabeth Quay Bridge is certainly one of the greatest architectural landmarks of Perth which changed the way locals and visitors enjoyed this part of Western Australia’s capital city.
The Design
Arup was the design lead consultant for the Elizabeth Quay pedestrian and cyclist bridge and delivered a lot more than just structural engineering for the feature arch and suspension bridge.
The bridge spans from the western Williams Landing and the new island in the east, providing increased opportunities for people to interact with the Swan River.
It is 22m high, 5m wide and suspended over the inlet with a 5.2m current mean clearance.
Two 45m spans connect in the middle, with the bridge’s arches sweeping down towards the water to rest on concrete piers supported on piles socketed into the rock bed.
Arup’s engineers and architects worked together to calculate everything from how to balance the dramatic impact of the bridge’s leaning arches with its structural function, to how to minimise wind vibration.
Using parametric modelling, Arup optimised the geometry of the pedestrian pathway to overcome design constraints, including the range of different heights required at different sections of the walkway.
The Minister of Education, Prof.Tahir Mamman and the Minister of State for Education Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, says that the most potent way of tackling out of school children phenomenal is to give adequate attention to adult education ,emphasizing that educated adults are more prone to educating their children.
In a statement issued by the Director, press and public relations, federal ministry of education, Benjamin Goong disclosed that the duo were unanimous on the need to tackle Adult illiteracy, emphasizing that adult illiterates constitute the fountain from which out of school children keep flowing.
The Ministers stated that one of the fundamental ways to deal with the ever increasing number of out of school children is to educate the parents identifying funding, advocacy and committment as key elements necessary in tackling the menace of adult illiteracy.
They directed the leadership of the National Commission for Mass Literacy to furnish his office with the current number of adult illiterates in the Country, their location and strategies for taking them off that shelve.
The ministers stressed the need for adequate funding which is critical in raising the Literacy level of the country, and wondering why the National Commission for Mass Literacy has been removed from the funding envelope of the Annual National Budget.
They however promised to take up the matter with the National Assembly, explaining that the Mass Literacy Commission is not a revenue yielding Agency, but the provider of a critical National Service.
The National Universities Commission has approved the establishment of eight Science and Technology Education programmes at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State.
The registrar of CUSTECH, Olufunke Hudson, who disclosed this in a statement, said the newly approved undergraduate programmes includes Biology Education, Chemistry Education, Mathematics Education, Physics Education, Computer Science Education, Geography Education, Library and Information Science, and Technology Education, among others.
She noted that the programmes will run in a dedicated academic unit within the Faculty of Science and Technology Education, adding that the faculty has the necessary resources, human and material to train professional teachers.
Hudson said the establishment of the programmes has become very important given the State Government’s determination to improve on quality and access to all levels of education in the state with the recent creation of more tertiary and technical educational institutions.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to provide quality education and foster intellectual growth across the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Andrew Adejo, pledged the Federal Government’s unwavering determination to expand educational opportunities and invest in the training of future educators.
Adejo was represented by the Director of Colleges of Education in the ministry, Dr Uchenna Uba spoke at Ilawe Ekiti, during the official takeover of the site of the newly established Federal College of Education, Ilawe Ekiti at an occasion attended by the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Alabi.
The PS said the College of Education will serve as a hub of knowledge, innovation, and inspiration for aspiring educators.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Bimpe Aderiye, who lauded the Federal Government for establishing the college in Ilawe Ekiti, said this will further improve access to qualitative education at the tertiary level for the teeming youths and thereby, ensure the provision of quality manpower for teaching and learning in Ekiti State for global relevance”.
Aderiye, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission, Michael Omolayo, pledged that the state government will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the smooth take-off of the college in Ekiti State.
The Provost of the college, Dr. Gbade Ikuejube, who said the event signaled the commencement of the institution in the town, added that the college was designed to run NCE and degree programmes.
Remember when we travelled to ibadan, nigeria’s south west from lagos through the standard guage line? That was 2022. It was such a thrilling experience sitting by the window; seeing when you’ve been to on foot or car.
Now today on space.com, let’s see some train journeys around the world in 2023.
Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train, Indonesia
Indonesia’s first high-speed railway opened in 2023, two years later than planned, slashing journey times from Jakarta to the central Javan city of Bandung from over three hours to just 36 minutes.
The $5.1 billion railway will revolutionize connections between two huge metropolitan regions – Greater Jakarta with around 32 million citizens and Bandung, which now has more than eight million inhabitants.
Developed by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China, a joint venture of four Indonesian state-owned companies, and China Railway International, a subsidiary of China Railway Group (CREC) on the same principles as China’s astonishing high-speed rail network, the 142.3-kilometer-long standard gauge line has a maximum operating speed of 350 kilometers (217 miles) per hour.
Almost 83 kilometers (50 miles) of the route is elevated on viaducts above urban areas and farmland.
Approximately 11 CR400AF Fuxing high-speed trains with room for 555 second class, 28 first class and 18 “VIP class” passengers have also been supplied by China.
Up to 44,000 passengers are expected to travel on the trains during the first year of operation.
European Sleeper
With demand for overnight trains predicted to explode in Europe in the second half of the 2020s, several start-ups have unveiled plans to introduce exciting new routes. But the Belgian-Dutch cooperative European Sleeper is closest to hitting the rails.
The company is set to launch its Brussels-Amsterdam-Berlin-Prague route in 2023, assuming it can secure and refurbish suitable carriages in time.
European Sleeper is partnering with RegioJet, a highly successful private travel company from the Czech Republic already running daytime and overnight trains across central and eastern Europe, to provide the service.
Linking four of Europe’s most-visited tourist hotspots, seats and berths on the train will be in high demand, especially in the peak summer months for Interrail/Eurail backpackers.
Its renovated and modernized carriages, aimed at travelers on different budgets, are to feature sleeping compartments, couchette beds and reclining seats with modern features such as charging points and Wi-Fi aimed at travelers on different budgets.
European Sleeper is also working with holiday company Sunweb to run new overnight trains from the Netherlands and Belgium to French ski resorts this winter and a route to the French Riviera from summer 2023.
The $3.1 billion railway is to link Dujiangyan with a panda reserve and the Mount Siguniang scenic tourist area in Sichuan province.
Much like its Swiss counterparts, the meter-gauge railway will scale steep mountain sections with the assistance of a rack-and-pinion system mounted between the rails.
The first section is expected to open at the end of 2023, with full operation in 2026, subsequently reducing the 129-kilometer journey from Dujiangyan to Siguniangshan Town from five hours to 120 minutes.
Another impressive civil engineering achievement by China’s rail industry, the line includes 11 stations, 25 bridges totaling 35 kilometers in length and 86 kilometers of tunnels.
The four-car driverless trains are fitted with 145 seats in three classes, with large curved panoramic windows, advanced automation, monitoring and fault diagnostics supported by 5G and satellite navigation.
Tren Maya, Mexico
Tren Maya is a 1,525-kilometer (948 mile) system of new and revitalized railways designed to connect Caribbean tourist resorts such as Cancun with cities, cultural sites and lesser-known destinations inland.
Construction on the initial route from Palenque in Chiapas State via the historic city of Mérida and the world-famous Mayan site at Chichén Itzá to Cancun began in 2020.
Later phases will link Cancun to the resort of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, looping back via Bacalar and Xpujil to join the Palenque-Cancun route at Escárcega.
Global transport giant Alstom is supplying 42 modern multiple unit trains, in three different styles, from its Mexican factory in Ciudad Sahagún.
The “Xiinbaal” (walking) standard regular service trains are fitted with large panoramic windows, the “Janal” (eating) restaurant cars showcase regional cuisine, and the “P’atal” (staying) trains are designed for long-distance journeys, with comfortable cabins for both daytime and overnight travel.
With exterior color schemes inspired by the Mayan art and culture and internal designs influenced by the blue of the Caribbean Sea, the trains will combine tradition and modernity with a strong regional identity.
Switzerland’s GoldenPass Express (GPX)
Switzerland’s newest panoramic train journey was launched on December 11, three years later than scheduled and 150 years after it was first proposed.
The new GoldenPass Express (GPX) directly connects three of the European country’s most important tourist destinations: Montreux, Gstaad and Interlaken, a special route made possible by unique new trains capable of changing the gauge of their wheels and the height of their coach bodies.
GPX passengers can now remain in their comfortable seat throughout the trip, immersing themselves in the ever-changing view through enormous panoramic windows.
The spectacular journey, which takes in some of Europe’s most beautiful lakes, secluded valleys and high mountain passes, cuts across the grain of central Switzerland, following a trade route that has existed since the Middle Ages.
Passengers have a choice of three classes with 28 lucky people per trip experiencing the luxury of a reclining leather seat in Prestige class.
First and Prestige class passengers can also book an at-seat service of locally produced food and drink to enhance the journey.
These stunning new GPX trains bring an added attraction to the Golden Pass route that will likely allow many new visitors to experience this underrated gem of a journey.
ECONOTES
Train Journeys: Why Should Take It
Scenic Routes
Train journeys often traverse stunning landscapes, whether it’s winding through mountains, crossing vast plains, or running alongside picturesque coastlines.
Sleeper Trains
Overnight train journeys offer the convenience of traveling long distances while also providing accommodations for sleeping.
These train services generally have sleeping compartments or berths, allowing you to rest comfortably while you travel to your destination.
Dining on Board
Many train journeys offer dining options, ranging from simple snacks to gourmet meals.
On some luxury trains, dining is a highlight of the experience, with fine dining menus and exquisite service.
Social Interaction
Train journeys often bring people from diverse backgrounds together in one space, providing an opportunity for interactions and cultural exchanges.
Conversations with fellow passengers can lead to interesting discussions and sharing of travel experiences.
Historical and Heritage Trains
Some train journeys allow you to step back in time by riding historic or heritage trains.
These journeys provide a nostalgic experience, showcasing vintage train carriages, steam locomotives, or historic routes.
Commuter Trains
Commuter trains are commonly used for daily transportation between residential areas and city centers.
They provide a convenient way to travel within a city or its surrounding region and are often an integral part of urban public transportation systems.
High-Speed Trains
High-speed trains are known for their efficiency and speed, making them a popular choice for long-distance travel.
These trains operate at exceptionally high speeds, such as the Shinkansen in Japan or the TGV in France, reducing travel time significantly.
Heritage Railways
Heritage railways are preserved and operated for tourism and historic purposes, mostly featuring older steam or diesel locomotives.
These railways offer a chance to experience the charm of a bygone era and often include themed journeys or events.
Transcontinental Train Journeys
Transcontinental train journeys allow you to travel across multiple countries and continents.
Examples include the famous Orient Express, which connects various European cities, or the Indian Pacific in Australia, crossing the continent from coast to coast.
Unforgettable Experiences
Train journeys can provide unforgettable experiences, whether it’s watching the sunrise over a breathtaking landscape, enjoying the rhythm and sound of the train, or immersing yourself in the ecstasy of train travel.
Amtrak’s New Flagship
US travelers will have to wait a little longer for new train routes under President Joe Biden’s $66 billion investment plan.
But a new generation of Acela high-speed trains are scheduled to enter service on the key Northeast Corridor route between Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. in late 2023.
Amtrak is to take delivery of 28 Avelia Liberty trains developed from France’s iconic TGV, to upgrade the speed and frequency of Acela services.
With space for up to 25% more passengers, the new train are to run at a half-hourly frequency between New York and Washington at peak times, allowing Amtrak to increase capacity on the route.
Running at up to 160 miles per hour (260 kilometers per hour) where possible, the trains also have the capability to “tilt” their carriages to deliver higher speeds, greater stability and comfort on curving sections of the route.
On-board features include free Wi-Fi, real time information, charging sockets, better accessibility for all passengers and a Café Car.
Nightjet’s New European Routes
Austria’s Nightjet sleeper trains have been the catalyst for a remarkable revival in overnight rail travel over the last few years – and they’re about to get even better.
New routes and a fleet of superb new custom-built trains will significantly expand and improve Nightjet’s services for European travelers in 2023.
Since December, the Vienna/Munich to Milan Nightjet has been extended to the port city of Genoa, while the Munich-Venice/Budapest trains now start back at Stuttgart, offering better connections from southwest Germany and France.
However, the big news for Nightjet passengers in summer 2023 will be the introduction of those new trains on key international routes from Vienna and Munich to Rome, Milan and Venice.
By the end of 2025, 33 new generation Nightjet trains will be in service, adding much-needed extra capacity, greater comfort and increased privacy.
Each new train will feature cutting-edge interior design, including pod-hotel -style mini-cabins for solo travelers, sleeping compartments with en suite showers and toilets and a multi-function car with secure bike spaces and space for bulky luggage and winter sports equipment.
Orient Express La Dolce Vita
If the existing Orient Express seems a little passé these days, travelers have the option to add Italy’s newest super deluxe train to their travel diary for 2023.
Created by the Accor Hotels group, Orient Express La Dolce Vita is aimed at less traditional and more design-conscious travelers, while still keeping the vintage glamor alive.
With interiors inspired by Italian decor of the 1960s and 1970s, and an exterior look reminiscent of glorious varnished motorboats such as the legendary Riva Aquarama, it will likely be a very different experience to the Belle Epoque style of the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
The hyper-luxurious 11-car train features a stylish bar car with live music and games, 12 deluxe wood-lined cabins and 18 master suites complete with double beds, a sofa, armchairs and private bathroom.
As you might expect, the restaurant car will serve Italian food, regional and seasonal produce and wine of exceptional quality.
After booking, passengers are invited to contact their private concierge to prepare and personalize their trip in advance.
Operating one or two-night itineraries from Rome starting at around $2,000 per person, La Dolce Vita will visit stand out Italian cities, including Venice, Siena, Matera and Palermo.
International routes are also planned, with visits to Paris, Istanbul and Split on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast.
Great Journeys New Zealand
From January 2023, exploring New Zealand’s off-the-beaten-path regions by train is about to get even easier.
Train operator Great Journeys New Zealand will debut its new multi-day tours, allowing passengers to step off and enjoy guided experiences and overnight stays in various locations.
Itineraries range from six to 17 days and link together three scenic train routes – the stunning TranzAlpine panoramic train from Christchurch to Greymouth, the Northern Explorer between Auckland and Wellington and Coastal Pacific from Picton to Christchurch.
Excursions will include spotting whales, dolphins, and albatrosses in Kaikōura, adventuring along the Punakaiki Rocks and Hokitika Gorge on the West Coast, and wine tasting in the world-famous Marlborough region.
Passengers can choose between the Classic Style Tour through New Zealand’s larger cities and heartland destinations or the Signature Style Tour, which includes higher-end hotels and additional attractions.
In conclusion…
Remember, train journeys vary greatly depending on the region, type of train, and specific route you choose.
Each journey offers its own unique experience and can be a wonderful way to explore different parts of the world.
Please note that availability, routes, and specifics of train journeys may vary and can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check with specific train operators or travel agencies for the most up-to-date information.
I hope this provides you with some insights into train journeys.
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