Uber launches in Abuja, Nigeria

A growing technology company, Uber on Wednesday added Abuja to the list of smart transportation hubs in Africa where riders are conveniently connected to drivers in real time at the touch of a button on the Uber app that will be configured on a smart phone.

This happened at the launch of the innovative service that took place at the Transcorp Hilton where the Nigerian federal capital became the 400th city to be added across the globe about 18 months after the same service was launched in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager for Uber Lagos, Ebi Atawodi said: “We’re really excited to be launching Uber in Abuja. Uber gives the people of Abuja an affordable, easy and flexible choice to move around the city safely and reliably.

“For those who don’t know, Uber moves around millions of global citizens every day, offering affordable and reliable rides at the touch of a button. By offering a friendly and reliable complement to existing transport options, we can help improve urban mobility in Abuja, reduce traffic congestion and the environmental impact of vehicles at the same time.”


Daily Post


Related story: Video - Uber eases transportation in Nigeria

Nigerian military reacts to video released by Boko Haram leader

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the Nigerian Armed Forces will continue with its operations against insurgents in the North-East in spite of the purported remorse demonstrated by Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, in an online video.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubakar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sect leader, Abubakar Shekau, had released an online video clip in Arabic and Hausa languages on Thursday showing remorse and asking for forgiveness.

According to the DHQ spokesman, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin, had advised the public to discountenance the online video clip.

“The DHQ wishes to state emphatically that not minding the contents of the video clips, the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to fight in order to consolidate the successes recorded so far.

“The said video clip should, therefore, be discountenanced as it could be another ploy or antics of the terrorists to keep our innocent citizens off their current security alertness to maximise casualties if attacked.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are now determined more than ever before to end this ugly trend.

“The DHQ is also reassuring citizens that all captives under the coffer of the insurgents would regain their freedom with the ongoing military’s final offensive against the terrorists.’’

Abubakar said the CDS commended all officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices, determination and courage to complete the task against the terrorists.

The statement also advised the public not to be carried away by the video clips but to be extra vigilant and security conscious at all times during the Easter celebrations and beyond. (NAN)


Premium Times

Video - Nigeria raises interest rates

In response to a steep surge in inflation in January, Nigeria's Central Bank raised the policy rate to 12% from 11%. It also tweaked other elements of monetary policy, by increasing the Cash Reserve Ratio, to 22.5% from 20%. The decision comes just four months after the Monetary Policy Committee slashed the CRR to inject liquidity into the system. The expected outcomes, however, have not materialized.

John Obi Mikel appointed captain for Nigeria Super Eagles

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has been appointed Nigeria captain by coach Samson Siasia.

Mikel, 28, replaces CSKA Moscow winger Ahmed Musa and Siasia informed both players about his decision on Wednesday night, telling ESPN FC that he decided to hand the armband to the team's longest serving player.

"Mikel is the oldest serving player in the team and it is the right thing for him to have the armband," Musa told ESPN FC. "This is just to correct what was done in the past.

"The most important thing for us right now is to concentrate on the two games in front of us and make sure that we beat Egypt and qualify for the [African] Nations Cup."


ESPN

Alex Iwobi released from hospital - Will play for Nigeria against Egypt on Friday

Alex Iwobi has been discharged from hospital and is ready to make his competitive debut for Nigeria.

The Super Eagles host Egypt on Friday in their African Cup of Nations qualifier and there had been fears Iwobi - hospitalised with food poisoning - would be unavailable.

But the Arsenal star dismissed those suggestions, tweeting: "Had the maddest food poisoning but I am good now and feeling ready for the Egyptian match."

Iwobi has been at the centre of a tussle between England and Nigeria recently, with the former trying to tempt him to play for them rather than the country of his birth.

The 19-year-old represented England at various youth levels before playing two friendlies for Nigeria's senior team.

But after his rise to prominence at Arsenal this season, the FA made one last attempt persuade him to return.

Iwobi, however, rejected their advances and is now set to seal his status as a Nigeria international by facing Egypt on Friday.


Mirror

Related story: Video - Nigeria and England fight over football player Alex Iwobi