5 Quick Things To Know About The Lagos City Marathon

This coming weekend will be one of fun, excitement and a benign exhibition of the tourism potentials of a state which is on its way to becoming a mega city. It’s not a surprise because Lagos has always been the pacesetter when it comes to novel events, remember the Lagos Countdown? And of course, it’s the economic heartbeat of Nigeria. Many will go as far as saying ‘No Lagos, no Nigeria’.

Drums roll…welcome, the Lagos City Marathon which derbies on February 6th. A marathon hinged on bringing local and international athletes together to experience the hospitality, nerve racking hustle, entertainment, art, sport and the swashbuckling side of a burgeoning city. If you are participating in the marathon, here are some quick things you need to know. Get your trainers on Saturday and join over 40 international runners in the first Lagos City Marathon.

The route
This is perhaps the most important information that all participants should have at their finger tip. The start point (7:30am) is The National Stadium Surulere while the finish point is Eko Atlantic. In between, the runners will go through popular stops like Ojuelegba, Anthony, Maryland, Ojota, Ogudu, Third Mainland Bridge, and Federal Palace Hotel among other places. The distance to be covered is 42.195 kilometres which is less than three hours.



 
Running numbers
To be eligible for the race, you must collect your running number. You can collect it at the Teslim Balogun stadium which is a stone throw from the National Stadium. Don’t forget you need a means of identity and confirmation received via email to receive your running kits. The numbers can be collected between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm.

Registration closes on 4th February
For Nigerians that like to do things at the eleventh hour, they still have ample opportunity to register to run in the marathon. Go online and register. Registration is very simple. Put your money where your mouth is. No bragging!

$50,000.00 up for grabs
Converting 50,000 dollars to the black market rate of the naira will give you a staggering amount. But if this is not enough to motivate to participate, what about the sound of 1 million naira for the 1st male and female Nigerian to cross the finish line? It’s not about winning but participating. Notwithstanding, money has always been an excellent motivating factor in any engagement.

50,000 Marathoners are expected
Imagine the huge logistics that will go into organising the Lagos City Marathon in a city like Lagos. So, you have to forgive any hitches. On the part of the government, maximum security, refreshments, ambulance services and entertainment are guaranteed. For runners, it’s advisable to leave your car and other valuables at home, arrive early and follow instructions. You are assured of a pleasant time at the marathon!


Source: http://septin911.com/

US embassy attends to visa complaints on Hangouts

Three officials of the United States Embassy in Nigeria, of Friday, interacted with Nigerians from different parts of the country for an hour and three minutes. They spoke on what applicants should do or avoid when processing the US visa.

The live show was not a television programme. Recognising the growing influence of digital media, the visa officers took to Google Hangouts to provide answers to questions bordering applicants while busting various myths around visa processing.

The officers said they took to Google Hangouts to help applicants relate with the embassy directly instead of patronising touts and agents.

The session, which was moderated by Oluwaseun Olaniyan, an on air personality, gave the US embassy officials an opportunity to explain the differences between the immigrant and non-immigrant visas, tricks in the application process and likely pitfalls that applicants should avoid.

The visa officers also explained the rationale behind some common questions and how responses increase or reduce applicants’ chances of getting a visa. For instance, they spoke on why social and economic ties had become an important question during an interview.

In the course of the interactive session, viewers were given an opportunity to ask personal or general questions. All that was required was a click on a keyboard.

Few days before the Google Hangouts, the embassy sent a press statement, inviting interested individuals to hook on to the event. It also gave an hashtag – #AskTheVOs – through which questions would be received.

Indeed, participants bought into the show, sending questions bordering on income range that could be considered satisfactory for anybody to be given a visa.

But the officers said that the important thing, in the case of non-immigrant applicants, was applicants’ ability to prove that they had economic ties with their countries of residence. They noted that those who satisfied all conditions were never refused.

“Ties are essentially the various aspects of your life that bind you to your country of residence: your possessions and family relationships. Visa officers pay a particular attention to ties as they have to do with an applicant’s home country or country from which they are applying,” they said.

The officers advised visa seekers against relying on agents to fill application forms, adding that visa agents were only motivated by the financial rewards instead of helping their clients to secure visas.

“We strongly discourage the use of touts and agents at any point in the visa process. These agents often give applicants false information. Ultimately, touts and companies are primarily interested in making money not getting you a visa. They do applicants a disservice.

“Touts and agents are part of the reason the consulate reaches out to the Nigerian public through events like this Google Hangouts. We strongly recommend that people apply for a visa and go through the entire process on their own,” they said.

According to the officers, visa process could be carried out by applicants without any assistance. The embassy’s website, they noted, was a sufficient guide for even a first-time applicant.

“Application for a U.S. visa is simple and straightforward. Every piece of information you need can be found on our website,” they noted.

One of the issues they emphasised during the session was that getting a visa does not guarantee an entry into a foreign country but only allows the holder to present himself at a port of entry. They described the visa as “an endorsement issued by a government.”

At the end of the Google Hangouts, the embassy’s representatives said members of the public whose questions were not addressed, could relate with them through #AsktheVOs.

But some of the participants said U.S. visa process was not as simple as the officers made Nigerians to believe, asking why hundreds of applicants were still disqualified daily if it were that simple.

For instance, tweeting on @Davidbeloveth, David Arogundade said, “Some questions are not thoroughly dealt with because I don’t think it is that simple.”

SOURCE: PUNCH

Buhari Endorses $18.5b Centenary City Project

President Muhammadu Buhari (second left); Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (left); former head of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari; former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim; and others at the meeting of members of the Board of Centenary City Project with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja … yesterday. PHOTO: SADIQ ALHAJI ALIYU

Company Says Original Inhabitants Have Been Compensated
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has endorsed the $18.5 billion Centenary City Project flagged off by former President Goodluck Jonathan last year. He noted that skills, expertise and vast experience that will be brought into Nigeria to build the Centenary City on the Dubai model, will also be of immense benefit to the country’s overall development.

The project which is 100 percent private sector driven has generated a lot of controversy in recent times and has of late been turned into a subject of litigation between the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, who spearheaded the initiative, and a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Cairo Ojuogboh.

Buhari had summoned the Governing Board of the Project, chaired by the former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and his members to offer explanations on the project.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the Presidency yesterday in Abuja welcomed an assurance from Centenary City Plc that all the original inhabitants of the site have been fully compensated.

Shehu noted that after being briefed by the Chairman of the company’s board of directors, Abubakar and members of its management team, Buhari praised the Centenary City’s main development partners from the United Arab Emirates for having enough confidence in Nigeria to agree to invest about $18.5 billion in the project.

According to him, the President also welcomed the assertion by Abubakar and his team that the project will create about 250,000 more direct jobs in the Federal Capital Territory and about half a million indirect jobs.

He said that he looked forward to regular updates on the Centenary City’s development.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was also present at the briefing, said that the issue of the rights of the original inhabitants of the site acquired for the Centenary City had been of concern to the present administration.

“We are glad that it is being handled,” he said while welcoming the assurance that compensation had been paid to those who will be displaced by the project and that the issue of their relocation was being addressed.

Abubakar and the management of the Centenary City also told President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo that the project would be totally private sector driven.

In a joint briefing of State House Correspondents after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Federal Capital Territory Administration (MFCTA), John Chukwu, said there was no truth in the report that the financiers have backed out. “All members are available and they can explain later”.

On reports of short changing Nigerians by former government officials, especially as it concerns reported N1.2billion waiver, he said: “I am not aware of any short changing”.

On allegations that the former SGF appropriated plots without following due process, Chukwu said: “ The company is here, they can answer such questions.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Centenary City Plc, Dr Odenigwe Ike Michaels said that the project is owned by 40 local and international investors.

His words: “Under our agreement with FCTA and other stakeholders, we have paid all the compensation on the Centenary City site, and we are going ahead with the relocation which is being supervised by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

Concerning allegations that Anyim owns the project, Odenigwe said: “We do not respond to rumours, we only respond to facts”.

The immediate past SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim, was also part of the delegation.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Arik crew member held in Britain with 20kg of cocaine

The UK Border Force yesterday arrested Chika Egwu Udensi, a cabin crew member of Nigeria’s flag carrier airline, Arik for being in possession of substance suspected to be cocaine. The suspect was said to be in possession of about 20 kg of cocaine. The airline however told New Telegraph that it was carrying out its private investigation to determine how the cabin crew member came about the suspected banned substance.
This has cast a dark shadow on Nigerian airline crew following their incessant arrests, particularly by UK authorities. A top official of Nigeria Immigration Service, who spoke to New Telegraph on condition of anonymity, said it has become very difficult to detect them here in Nigeria because of the privileges they enjoy, coupled with what he described as insider assistants, who help them with the banned substance to the aircraft.
The source said it was a worrying sign not only for the airlines but to security at the nation’s airports. Spokesman for Arik Air, Mr. Banji Ola, in a statement yesterday, confirmed the arrest of the cabin crew whose name was not given as at the time of going to press. Ola said, “A member of Arik Air cabin crew was on Monday night arrested at Heathrow Airport London by the UK Border Force in connection with alleged possession of items suspected to be banned substances”.
He disclosed that the airline was presently carrying out its private investigation to determine how the cabin crew member came about the suspected banned substance, adding that the airline would also be cooperating fully with the UK authorities and other appropriate agencies in their investigations. His words: “The airline again reaffirms its commitment to the fight against drug and illicit substances trafficking and will not tolerate the use of any of its aircraft or crew for the courier of banned items and substances”.
He reiterated that the carrier carries out very stringent checks on all members of staff and its travelling guests ahead of all flights, noting that the airline will continue to focus its attention on measures to prevent the possibility of any future similar incidents. “Arik Air is a responsible Nigerian company; always seeking to maintain and uphold the integrity and proud reputation of the nation”, he added.

SOURCE:http://newtelegraphonline.com/uk-arrests-arik-staff-with-20kg-cocaine-in-london/

The Abuja Centenary City ‘Address’ Set to Elevate Nigeria

 Nigeria’s long term vision of becoming a world class business destination and put the country in the global property map, has received a huge boost with the launch and rapid development of “The Address Hotels + Resorts” in Abuja, by Eagle Hills.
A city within a city, this project is a truly multifunctional development that offers a complete cosmopolitan lifestyle to its residents, as well as serves as a hub for the wider community. Centenary City, a smart, inter-connected urban centre that draws on the innovative technologies, will have a central business district, a financial centre, a museum and cultural centre to promote African and global arts, world-class hotels, business and technology parks, residential districts, an 18-hole golf course, industry centres, sports and leisure facilities and community amenities.
Eagle Hills, a UAE-based private real estate investment and development company, has reconfirmed The Address Resorts as a core element of the Abuja Centenary City, its premier lifestyle free trade zone development in Abuja. The Address Abuja, which is already under rapid construction, promises to introduce a new concept in Nigeria for hospitality and residential living with serviced villas and apartments.
The Abuja Centenary City will be an interconnected, smart and intelligent city that will create several thousand new jobs and promote other sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, and also serve as a significant attraction in securing further direct foreign investment to Nigeria
The Address Abuja in Centenary City is designed to work in harmony with nature: an exclusive community becoming part of the natural landscape and offering both an impressive downtown skyline and peaceful suburban living. Conceptualised by one of the world's finest hospitality labels, The Address Residence serviced apartments, will be the city's most exclusive uptown address, offering the pinnacle of urban life, ultra-modern towers and a breathtaking view of Centenary City. Residents will be able to enjoy a host of world-class amenities both inside and around their homes from fully equipped gyms, swimming pools and premier wellness facilities to closely located convenience stores and services.
It is set in a spectacular position, offering breathtaking views of Centenary City and the surrounding landscape. The podium deck is the front door of the project, featuring a carefully detailed complex of private decks, infinity pools, concierge services, and the ultimate in club facilities, all within a resort atmosphere. The development aims to boost the Nigerian hospitality sector, bringing it in par with international standards across the globe.

Mohamed Alabbar, an Executive board member of Eagle Hills said: “Centenary City Abuja is a fitting tribute to the Nigerian nation. The 1,300-hectare master-planned community, is envisaged as a spectacular city hub and the largest of its kind in Africa. The Address Residence Abuja will be the latest premier property embodying the company’s progressive spirit. The project features a residential community consisting of four- to ten-bedroom luxury villas and one- to three-bedroom apartments.”
Philippe Zuber, Chief Operating Officer of The Address Hotels + Resorts said “The Address Abuja, the five star premium brand brings a new identity to the hospitality and service offering in Nigeria and the region. The Address chooses central locations to offer its customers the best in entertainment, leisure and overall convenience, guaranteeing a first-class hospitality experience for every resident and guest. The Address Hotels + Resorts group philosophy is to offer a more personal and approachable experience to guests in a lifestyle environment, whether it be business, leisure or group travelers.  Its motto ‘Where life happens’ demonstrates the versatile approach of The Address to servicing every customer, guaranteeing a first-class hospitality experience for every guest; making it the perfect addition to Centenary City.
With excellent connectivity to the main highway, 30 minutes from the city centre and less than 10 minutes from the airport, The Address Abuja in Centenary City is located in the heart of this spectacular development.
The arrival of The Address Hotel in Nigeria at Centenary City Abuja is symbolic of Eagle Hills’ approach to developing flagship mixed-use master-planned communities in high growth cities of the future. The urban expansion and renewal projects positively impact business and tourism while also ensuring sustainable economic growth. When completed, Centenary City will be an interconnected, smart and intelligent city that will create several thousand new jobs and promote other sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure.
Eagle Hills is a global developer of iconic real estate assets and a provider of premium lifestyles that helps countries raise their global profiles to new heights. Their properties aim to become flagship city destinations that invigorate nations. Backed by unprecedented credentials in creating mixed-use master planned communities, Eagle Hills Company builds residential projects that captures the very best the city has to offer, and is a catalyst to urban expansion and sustainable economic growth

For more information, visit:
http://www.eaglehills.com/centenary_city
http://www.centenarycity.com/residential.html
http://www.centenarycity.com/about-us.html
http://www.eaglehills.com/