The palpable security challenges and recently-reported attacks on the rail transportation in the country not withstanding, the beneficiaries of the Osun free train service on Monday indicated their preference for the free train service provided by the government of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
The holidaymakers noted that their preference for the free train service was hinged on the high level of security being provided by the government to ensure a smooth and hitch-free trip at all times, particularly during festive seasons.
They urged the federal government to replicate the same gesture to manage the national rail transportation system in the country.
The rail travellers who were elated and enthusiastic to return to their destinations through the free train service at the Osogbo Terminus of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, said Osun government had proved its capacity and capability to sustainably revolutionalise rail system in the country.
They lauded the way Osun Government has been managing the affair since its inception over a decade ago, saying the time has come for the country to go back to the drawing board and formulate workable and realistic policies that would support and ensure effective and efficient rail services.
Speaking to newsmen during the return trip to Lagos, some of the free train beneficiaries lauded the Administration of Governor Oyetola for scaling up the security architecture which had helped in no small measure to ensure safety for all and guarantee adequate protection of lives and property of the passengers at all times.
Mr. Olayiwola Julius who joined the train in Abeokuta, Ogun State, together with his family members, said the initiative had brought the required succour and great relief to him and his family, having enjoyed the best form of security all along.
Mr. Julius who couldn’t hold his joy on the window of opportunity provided by the government to ensure safe trip, noted that the free train service has come to stay in Osun in view of its success story in the last ten years.
“As you can see, I am returning back to my base where I have been living for years with my family. Coming down to my state to celebrate Easter and new year annually with free train service has been a very good thing to us as citizens.
“This is not the first time I have enjoyed this initiative. I have been coming home and returning with it during festive periods since its introduction, and I can see the obvious improvements yearly.
“Why I can’t cease to benefit from this is the fact that the initiative poses comfort, safety and convenience which no one can experience traveling by road, particularly when one doesn’t have his or her personal vehicle.
“By my assessment so far, this initiative has helped to revolutionalise rail transportation system in the country as it has become a cynosure of necessity for government at all levels to ensure the overhaul of the rail system”, he added.
The technocrat said despite the fact that he has the financial capacity to drive down with his car to celebrate Easter with his relatives in Osun, he had deliberately chosen to come with train in view of its numerous benefits.
He however called for the need to intensify efforts towards rejuvenating the rail transportation system in the country in the quest to return it to its lost glory as the most reliable and safest transportation means.
Another passenger, Mrs. Abiola Babalola, a native of Osogbo, said she has been continuously attracted to the free train service due to its security measures and safety which have been adequately guaranteed.
Mrs. Babalola, who lauded the state government for sustaining the initiative despite its lean purse due to the present socioeconomic realities, said, “It is worthy of note and highly commendable that the government had scaled up the security architecture, not minding the extra financial implications”
She therefore implored the residents to continuously support the progressive government in the State for its numerous modest achievements and noble initiatives to ensure democratic dividends for all.
Similarly, Mr. Fayowole Solomon, who was traveling from Osogbo to Lagos, said he was personally convinced to board the train having seen the heavy presence of security facilities put in place.
Solomon who claimed to have traveled with train once, said the level of security provided would in no small measure douse the people’s fears as to the possible unforseen danger they may experience traveling by rail due to the current insecurity situation that had pervaded all the aspects of life in the country.
“Going by the current insecurity trends in the country coupled with the recent attacks on the trains, one would not in any way be encouraged to travel by rail. But what I saw this morning in terms of security architecture put in place by Osun government to ensure safety of the passengers encouraged me to board the train.
“So, I want the federal government to join hands with states, particularly Osun government, to restore confidence to the people as to their safety while traveling by rail or other means of transportation because with this noble initiative of Osun government, we are heading towards the right direction as far as rail transportation system is concerned”, he said.
In their separate views, Mr. Folarin John, Mrs. Adeola Victoria, Mrs. Ojedapo Tiitilope and Adeola Blessing expressed satisfaction traveling by rail in view of the numerous benefits, most importantly, safety, comfort and hitch-free trip one tends to experience.
They lauded the Osun government for the opportunity created to enjoy the free train service which, according to them, has raised people’s consciousness to the need to adequately resuscitate the sector for the betterment of the citizenry.
The passengers urged the government not to relent in its efforts to continue to improve on the initiative which has been a good template for a modern rail transportation system.
Addressing pressmen shortly after the exit of the train, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun, attributed the successes recorded so far to the high sense of passion and love the Administration of Governor Oyetola has for the masses.
Olaonipekun said, “The level of insecurity as far as Osun is concerned is almost zero and you will also agree with me that the Governor has not relented in ensuring that we sustain that level of near zero insecurity situation in the State. So as far as Osun is concerned, the security situation is encouraging, therefore, there is no way we will not run this free train service.
“And for other states, there is a collaboration to strengthen the security in the region and the rail transportation, coupled with our deep discussion with the authority of the Railway Corporation to ensure that all our rail tracks are being monitored.
“As you can see for yourself, there is increased number of combined security forces in all the cabins to ensure that the lives and property of the passengers are protected. So, we should totally disabuse our minds about insecurity as regards the rail service in the country. The incident in Kaduna is unfortunate and I believe the Railway Corporation is taking necessary precautions to avert the reoccurrence of such.
“Also, we must let our passengers understand that there is adequate security. For those that were on board coming in the last trip on Friday, they saw the level of security architecture put in place by our government both on the rail and in the cabins; and going as well today, we have provided adequate security which everyone can see. And for the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr, the free train service will still run.
“Like I have been saying, this is policy consistency on the part of Mr. Governor. Irrespective of whatever the financial situation is, he maintains his stand on the welfare and general well-being of the citizenry, and security is also part of what the government has taken as topmost priority. For us in Osun, provision of adequate security is the prime and we are going to continue to ensure that our people enjoy the best of democratic dividends in all spheres”, he added.
The passengers were wished a safe trip by the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mrs. Kehinde Odediran; Director of Commerce and Investment Promotion, Mrs. Ajibola Falode; Director of Industry, Mr. Adigun Tajudeen, Director of Information, Mr. Bidemi Kolapo, among other government officials present.
