From Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Not less than 2,000 people of Osun State, who reside in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States benefitted from the Free Train Initiative of the Osun State government.
This culminated in the relentless efforts of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration to cushion the effects of the skyrocketing cost of transportation during festive periods.
The train which commenced movement from Iddo Terminus in Lagos at 10:am prompt on Thursday, had stopovers in Abeokuta, Ibadan, Iwo and Ede where some people alighted or freshly conveyed to varying destinations, and finally landed at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, the Osun State Capital.
Addressing the mammoth crowd in Osogbo, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo appreciated the passengers for proper and decent conduct during the voyage.
“Despite the unprecedented mammoth crowd on the train, we appreciate all of you for your comportment which has translated to the successful landing of everyone, including those who managed to stand throughout the course of your journey”, the Commissioner said.
According to the Commissioner, “the crowd was actually more than the usual 10 – 15 coaches provided, so we had to request for more coaches so that no one, including the children and luggages, will be left behind to enjoy the Free Train ride which typifies the dividends of pragmatic leadership and good governance of Governor Ademola Adeleke”.
He, however, charged the passengers to use the opportunity to move round the nooks and crannies of the State to access the transformation agenda of Governor Adeleke.
“Seeing is believing, for those of you who have not visited Osun in the last two years, kindly use this opportunity to move round the length and breadth of the State to see the giant strides of Mr. Governor in terms of Infrastructure, Health, Education, Commerce and Industry, among a host of others”, the Commissioner said.
The commissioner also wished everyone, especially the Muslim Umar a modest, robust and blessed Eid-El Kabir 2025. He prayed “may this Eid-El Kabir bring joy to our homes, strengthen our bonds, and ignite a shared spirit of progress. Barikah De Sallah”.
The return trip of the Imole Free Train Ride, from the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo to Iddo Terminus, Lagos is on Tuesday, 10th June 2025, at 10:00am prompt.
