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By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
Rebecca Oloko, wife of Oba Sulaiman Owolabi Oloko, the Oba of Iwaya Yaba Kingdom, Lagos, has encouraged Nigerians, particularly Lagosians, to embrace the blue line train, as a safe, efficient, and modern means of transportation.
She made this call during the Iwaya Train Ride Experience, an initiative organised for the people of Iwaya Kingdom, as part of the community’s festive celebrations.
The programme was designed to introduce residents to rail transportation and build confidence in using the Lagos State rail mass transit system.
The exercise commenced at the Oba’s Palace, where a BRT bus conveyed participants to Marina. From there, the group boarded the Blue Line Train and travelled from Marina to Mile 2.
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The experience, according to participants, was smooth, educative, and enjoyable.
During the ride, participants were also taught on how to use the Cowry card, introduced by the Lagos State Government for multimodal transportation. The card, when loaded, can be used on BRT buses, ferries, and both the Blue and Red train lines. She explained that the goal was not just to distribute Cowry cards, but also to ensure people understand how to use them practically.
Explaining her motivation, Mrs. Oloko said the initiative was aimed at removing fear and unfamiliarity associated with train travel, especially among grassroots communities.
According to her, the plan is that the train ride initiative is held quarterly, possibly during festive periods, such as Easter, and merged with ongoing community celebrations.
She commended the Lagos State Government for the blue line project, describing the system as functional and well organised. She also appealed to the government to extend the rail network beyond its current routes.
The train ride, which was participated by over 60 persons, lasted about 35 minutes for the round trip from Marina to Mile 2, and back to marina.
