BRIEF: FG asked to fund rail service transformation

By Fidelis Ugbomeh

Members of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have expressed mixed feelings after boarding an Abuja-Kaduna passenger train to attend this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the group recently held in Kaduna.

They commended remarkable transformation taking place in Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) under leadership of Dr. Kayode Opeifa, and solicitrd for more funding by Federal government for maintainance of existing infrastructure and purchase of additional rolling stocks to enhance passenger and freight train service.

The members also showered encomiums on staff and security operatives for their impressive service during the 170 kilometres trip, from Abuja to Kaduna which lasted for more than 2 hours.

Many praised the NRC for creating such a valuable opportunity for fellowship on the train adding that the excitement inside the coaches occupied by members knew no bounds as old friends and professional colleagues were reunited.

Recalled that the passenger train from Abuja-Kaduna was filled to capacity, mostly with NIPR members just as the coaches were transformed into a vibrant platform where members met, networked and reconnected after last year’s general meeting at Uyo, Akwa- Ibom State.

Several state chapters particularly those from Southern part of the country, mobilized their members to congregate at Abuja, where they were joined by their colleagues from the Federal Capital Territory, to take advantage of the train service to connect with Kaduna.

Some of the dignitaries on board the train included: Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesha, in Osun state, Oba Dr Jacob Adetayo Haastrup, President of Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Chief Tony Akiotu, Dr Mohammed Kudur Abubakar, formerly of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), and current Chairman of the Planning Committee for the World Public Relations Conference to be hosted by Nigeria in Abuja to mention but a few.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation contingent to the conference was led by Mr. Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Corporation, and Mr. Yinka Aderibigbe, SA to NRC, MD on Media and Communication.