Osun Free Train Service: Beneficiaries Laud Initiative, As Govt Intensifies Safety

Osun State government said it will continue to ensure security of lives and property especially, safety of residents and visitors of the State.

The State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives and Empower, Bode Olaonipekun gave the assurance while receiving beneficiaries of the free train service provided by the State government from Lagos to Osogbo.

He said the State government has intensified security measures to combat insecurity as well as contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the wake of third wave in some parts of the country.

He appealed to the beneficiaries and all residents to continue to reciprocate the gesture, just as he assured them of more benefits which are parts of the master plan of Oyetola’s administration.

The commissioner said Governor Oyetola was resolute to scale up the initiative in such a way that would be more beneficial to the citizens.

“We thank God for a smooth ride. The train departed Lagos by 10:00am on Sunday and they are here safe and sound. Again, on Monday, the train will take off by 10:00am in Lagos and we will receive them here and the returning will be on 25th of this month.

“Our train service has always been with security arrangement to ensure the safety of the passengers in the face of prevailing crimes such as banditry and kidnapping. Thus, this is not the first time of doing it. We have been doing it in the past. The security measure is adequate and we are sure that to and fro, the security arrangement will still be in tact.

“We enjoin our beneficiaries to always be law abiding and to take to all instructions as given by the security operatives to continue to ensure smooth operations.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. It is on this note I want our people to reciprocate the good that the government is doing by being obedient, compliant with all the rules and adhering to all the security information.

“I want to assure them that this first term of the Oyetola’s Administration is just a tip of the iceberg. More are still coming in his second term as being captured by the Administration’s Development Plan. Therefore, I want them to continue to support his government by paying their taxes as and when due,” Olaonipekun added.

Describing the free train ride as hitch free, some of the beneficiaries who spoke to our correspondent, said the train saved them from traffic hurdles form Lagos and reduced their financial burden of the festive period.

The beneficiaries the free train initiative as most commendable, remarkable and sustainable panacea for transport hurdles, particularly during festive periods.

The train had on Sunday morning departed the Ido Terminal of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Lagos State, where about 4,000 passengers boarded after which others joined along the way to Osogbo.

Fielding questions from journalists shortly after their arrival at the Osogbo Terminal of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, some of the beneficiaries Mrs. Morufat Alao and Mr. Olawuyi Abiola who boarded the train from Lagos, express satisfaction about the hitch- free trip.

Mrs. Alao hailed the high level of security put in place by the State Government to ensure passengers’ safety.

She said the initiative had become a sustainable household transport means for the citizens, particularly the festive holidaymakers who, out of financial constraints, could not afford transport fares to come home and celebrate with their families and loved ones during the festive periods.

In her words: “I appreciate this noble gesture, the most commendable aspect of this initiative remains the fact that the government is serious about the security and safety of the beneficiaries of the scheme.

“I was amazed to have seen heavy presence of security in and out while boarding the train in Lagos. This is not only impressive but worthy of emulation.

“I can remember vividly how the security operatives were going up and down along the way to ensure that no one misbehaved or better still forestall break down of law and order throughout the trip to Osogbo.

“In fact, my journey to Osogbo was not only adventurous but a memorable one. I wish to experience more of it in the future. Osun Government is doing wonderfully well as far as this initiative is concerned.

Similarly, Mr. Olawale Abdul-Maleek, Alhaji Oseni Biyawo, Mr. Oyedele, Abdul-Kodir, Usman Abdul-Azeez and Mrs Rashidat Owolabi lauded the security measures put in place to ensure smooth and rancour-free trip to Osogbo.

They commended the smooth trip to Osogbo, just as they assured of their support for the State and showered encomiums on the Governor for prioritising masses’ welfare as reflected in the successful implementation of the government’s social intervention programmes.

More than 6,000 Nigerians who were largely holidaymakers benefitted from the first trip of the free train service provided by the Government of the State of Osun from Lagos to Osogbo, the State capital, in commemoration of 2021 Eid-el-Kabir.