For travelers of the free train ride enroute Osun state, this Christmas and New Year’s trip via the means of transportation; may not be visible due to the ongoing rail line repairs.
Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Saturday said resumption of work on the Lagos-Ibadan rail line; would “unavoidably stall the government’s free train ride programme for the Christmas and New Year.”
The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, had on Friday ordered the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation; the contractor handling the 10 railway stations along the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line to resume work immediately; with a view to completing the projects unfailingly next month.
The Chief Press Secretary to Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan, in a statement said that the governor expressed regret that following the directive by the Federal Government; no train would be allowed to ply the standard gauge rail line until completion of the project in January 2020.
He said the development had disrupted the free train ride programme; usually funded by the state government in support of the people.
Omipidan in the statement noted that Oyetola had prioritised the free train services for citizens; and other travellers during the festivities as his administration had followed the initiative of his predecessor; assuring the people that his administration would remain strongly committed to the welfare of the people.
The statement read, “The free train ride programme is an important part of our administration’s welfare promise. It started from the last administration and has continued until date. It is in fulfilment of part of our campaign promises to continue with the good work started by my predecessor.
“We, however, regret that hundreds of beneficiaries of this good welfare programme will have to patiently wait until the next festive season. This follows the ongoing work on the Lagos-Ibadan rail line.
“But we are confident that the work will be completed soon as the Federal Government, in its determination to ensure completion of the standard gauge rail line project next month, has ordered the company in charge to resume work immediately.
“While we strongly appeal for understanding by the good people of Osun, we would like to reassure you of our commitment to the welfare of the people. We pray for God’s protection for all travellers to and from Osun during and after this festive period and wish you all wonderful holidays.”