Free train ride: Beneficiaries urge Osun residents to re-elect Oyetola for second term
…Say gesture must be sustained beyond 2026
…We have been achieving set objectives through impressive feedback from public – Govt
The beneficiaries of the free train service regularly provided by the government of Osun have urged the citizens and residents of the State to re-elect the incumbent Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for second term.
The beneficiaries who attributed their plea to the successful implementation of myriad welfarist policies and programmes of the Oyetola-led Administration, said the genuine call was in the interest of sustainability and consolidation of good governance in the State.
The administration of Governor Oyetola had since assumption of office continued the initiative introduced by his immediate predecessor to cushion the possible effects of movement of people and goods during festive periods.
Some of the holidaymakers that made their homecoming for the Christmas and New Year celebrations through the free train service eulogised the government for sustaining the scheme despite the State’s depressed economy.
They expressed gratitude to Governor Oyetola for his consistency and uprightness that had contributed greatly to the successes the scheme had recorded over the years.
Speaking after alighting from the train on Friday and boarding same on Sunday to Lagos, at the Osogbo Terminus of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the free train service beneficiaries called on the people of the State to reward the good works of the Governor by reelecting him for second term.
According to them, the only way the good governance that had been successfully enthroned in the State could be sustained and consolidated was for the electorate to return the Governor for second term so as to ensure the continuity and consolidation of good things that have been happening in the State.
Mr. Yinusa Jinadu, a Lagos resident but citizen of Osun, extolled government’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the scheme, saying it is a thing of joy that the scheme has been sustained.
He lauded the rare commitment of the State to continually guaranteeing the security, welfare and well-being of the people of the state as demonstrated in the hands of fellowship extended to holidaymakers during festive periods.
Another passenger, Mrs. Florence Afolabi, an indigene of Okuku in Odo-Otin Local Government living in Ibadan, said the Governor had done so much and deserved to be re-elected in the next governorship election.
Similarly, Mr. Taiwo Abimbola, Mrs. Serifat Busari, Pastor Kayode Olugboyega, Mrs. Kadijah Kelani, lauded the kind gesture extended to them by the government, describing the free train service as panacea for ‘travel hurdles.’
Addressing the journalists, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Industry and Empowerment, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun, disclosed that government was happy to have sustained the scheme.
Olaonipekun urged the residents to continue to reciprocate the good gesture of the Governor by returning him for second term.
“Going by the favourable public assessment of the yearly festive-based free train service from Lagos to Osun over the years, I am convinced that we are achieving the welfarist Otunba Moses Olafare, admitting that politics would be among the most discussed subjects in the year.
He advised, “While talking and playing politics in the new year ahead of next year’s general election, humanity must be put first and we must not sacrifice the future of our dear country especially that of the youths, women, children, poor and other vulnerable persons in the name of politics.
“There is more to be done to end insecurity, fight hunger, create job opportunities and other laudable government activities to make life better for all. This is the side that we must be looking, not just seeking for office.”
Similarly, the Ooni who is prominent for youth advocacy, called on Nigerian youths to get involved in politics and governance of the country in the new year.
He appealed to the young population not to be discouraged by the challenges of the country’s politics, noting that their involvement would help in sanitising the system.
“It all starts with this year for our youths in Ekiti and Osun States, their involvement means that we are deploying their strength and expertise for nation building. This is how developed countries developed, we too can achieve much more here,” he added.ee trips for 2021 Christmas and 2022 New Year celebrations.
