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Opeifa Kicks off Railways Revitalization Initiatives, Assures of Improved Services

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The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, has commenced preparation for the upcoming developmental and revitalization initiatives of the Corporation ,assuring Nigerians of the readiness to serve them better, as he embarked on the tour of the districts under the NRC.

He stated this at the Iddo Train Station as part of his tour of the Railways Districts guaranteeing train passengers, commuting daily from Ijoko and other border communities in Ogun State to Iddo and Idumota axis of the Lagos Island, that the Corporation will revive the 2pm mass transit train service (MTTS) in line with their demands.

The District Manager, Engr Augustine Arisa and District Superintendent Mrs Chidinma Mba, also informed the MD that the prosperity of the Idumota market is also related to the operations of the MTT line as any day the train does not run, the market feels it.

“NRC management being aware of the centrality of the MTT Kajola to Iddo rail line to the continued prosperity of the Iddo, Idumota and some other big markets in Lagos will not only continue to sustain the line, but work to add addition service after careful commercial market viability and sustainability studies”, Opeifa said.

According to him, the transformation of the Iddo Terminal is central to the corporation’s goal to significantly improve the terminal’s infrastructure, optimize its capacity and elevate the passenger experience

He also assured that the management would urgently embark on the rehabilitation of the coaches to improve the ambience of the interior of the trains and the Iddo stations for better customer experience and patronage.

Opeifa said he would not hesitate to terminate the contract of any contractor not willing or ready to add value to the corporation’s service.

The Managing Director who spent some time going round the Iddo Station, also directed the installation of solar panels around the station to better improve the lightening condition, even as he sent the signal that a comprehensive review of all land leases around the station is underway.

Opeifa was nostalgic about the several interesting monuments and railway relics, called on corporate organisations and other philanthropists, to support the corporation in the area of provision of conveniences for train passengers as part of their corporate social responsibility.

The NRC Managing Director had earlier commenced his maiden tour of the NRC districts across the country, with a tour to the Running Shed of the corporation at Ebute Metta, which he learnt was a hub to other districts.

He expressed delight at the industry of iron men (women engineers and technicians) working in the corporation who are competing with their male counterparts in ensuring that all the nation’s rolling assets are in serviceable conditions.

The tour took him to the store. Opeifa directed that the management must commence the painting of several legacy buildings of the corporation across the country. He added that the corporation is determined to improve its image as a frontline mobility service provider and the hub for logistics services in the country.

Opeifa who observed that there are no scraps in the railway, reiterated earlier calls on Nigerians to beware of anyone vandalizing the rail materials across the country, adding that security agencies especially the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been directed to prosecute anyone caught vandalizing any rail assets.

He said the corporation would put back to shape as many narrow gauge locomotives still serviceable and would deploy them across the country to serve passenger traffic anywhere it had existing train lines, just as the federal government aggressively continue to invest and expand the national standard gauge corridor.

The tour also took the Managing Director to the Battery Room, as well as the laboratory, an inspection of all the mechanical fluids which was a crucial facility responsible for analyzing the quality and integrity of mechanical fluids used in NRC rail operations.

He assured the laboratory that the management under his watch would continue to support their growth and development as he himself trained and once worked as an Analytical chemist.

The tour also took Opeifa to Agege Station where he had a closed door meeting with officials from the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), led by the Director Rail Services Engr Olasunkanmi Okusaga, on how to firm up security challenges between the two stations Babatunde Raji Fashola Station and the Lagos State Train Station at Agege Station.

Opeifa who was led round by the Agege Station Manager Mrs Ese Asowata, went round to check the Station’s conveniences, the VIP Lounge, the control room, the ticketing lounge and administrative sections among others.

The Managing Director took time to address the concerns of some train passengers, one of them, Olatunde Apata, who complained of what could be done for any passenger who missed his train. Apata, who was heading to the Prof. Wole Soyinka Station, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, had missed his train because he went to pray.

Addressing all challenges, Opeifa directed that under no circumstances should the ticket not work to relief passengers with disability access the train. He equally said efforts are being made to see how the issue of those missing their train would be addressed even as he disclosed that the NRC and LAMATA are working at how to ensure passengers could co-switch and access the metro train to continue their journey from the stations.

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BREAKING: Court Puts Off El-Rufai’s Bail Hearing, Sets New Date

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The Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, till Wednesday.

The adjournment followed proceedings that took place under tight security, reflecting heightened public interest in the high-profile corruption trial.

Counsel for the ex-governor, Ukpong Akpan, confirmed the development shortly after the session but declined to give details.

“I’m sorry, I can’t talk now, we are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow,” he said.

Shortly after the court rose, El-Rufai was escorted out of the premises by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in a white Hilux vehicle.

Earlier, the former governor had returned to court amid heavy security for the continuation of proceedings on his bail request.

The security arrangement mirrored the situation during his arraignment last week when he was first docked before the court.

El-Rufai is standing trial before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property as well as money laundering.

He was brought to court after spending over a month in detention, a development that has continued to draw widespread attention across the country.

The court had earlier fixed March 31, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications, including the bail request.

However, the anti-graft agency had on March 27, 2026, released him on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.

In a related development, the former governor was earlier on Tuesday arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo on separate charges.

At the State High Court, he was docked alongside one Amadu Sule on allegations ranging from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage.

The charges, also filed by the anti-corruption commission, are separate from those before the Federal High Court.

After the proceedings at the State High Court, the commission moved El-Rufai to the Federal High Court within the same premises for continuation of proceedings.

With the adjournment, the hearing of the bail application is expected to resume on Wednesday.

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Araraume Felicitates President Tinubu on his birthday. Hails his Reform Agenda and National Milestones

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Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his birthday, praising the President’s leadership style and the series of reforms that have shaped the direction of the country since he assumed office.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Araraume described President Tinubu as “a courageous reformer whose decisions continue to redefine Nigeria’s economic and governance landscape.” He noted that the President’s first year in office has been marked by bold policy choices aimed at stabilizing the economy and laying the groundwork for long term national development.

Araraume highlighted the removal of the petrol subsidy as one of the most significant economic decisions in recent decades, saying it demonstrated the President’s willingness to confront long‑standing structural challenges. According to him, the policy, though demanding, has redirected national resources toward infrastructure, social investment, and other critical sectors.

He also commended the administration’s unification of the foreign exchange market, describing it as a major step toward restoring investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness. The senator noted that the reforms have attracted renewed interest from international partners and signaled a commitment to transparent economic management.

Beyond economic restructuring, Araraume pointed to ongoing infrastructure expansion as evidence of the administration’s focus on national development. He cited the acceleration of key road projects, renewed efforts to expand rail connectivity, and the push to improve power generation and distribution as initiatives that reflect the President’s long term vision for a more productive Nigeria.

The senator further acknowledged the government’s interventions in agriculture, including support for mechanization and targeted programs aimed at boosting food security. He said these efforts are essential to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local production.

On the diplomatic front, Araraume praised President Tinubu’s engagements across Africa and beyond, noting his role in strengthening regional cooperation within ECOWAS and advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.

“As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to recognize the resilience and determination with which President Tinubu has approached the task of nation building,” Araraume said. “His commitment to reforms, economic stability, and democratic governance continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s future.”

He wished the President good health, renewed strength, and continued wisdom as he leads the country through what he described as “a defining period in Nigeria’s history.”

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Araraume Salutes Tinubu’s Vision, Lists Key Achievements on Birthday

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Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his birthday, praising his leadership style and the series of reforms that have shaped the country’s direction since he assumed office.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Araraume described the President as “a courageous reformer whose decisions continue to redefine Nigeria’s economic and governance landscape.” He noted that Tinubu’s first year in office has been marked by bold policy choices aimed at stabilizing the economy and laying the groundwork for long-term national development.

Araraume highlighted the removal of the petrol subsidy as one of the most significant economic decisions in recent decades, saying it demonstrated the President’s willingness to confront long-standing structural challenges. According to him, the policy, though demanding, has redirected national resources toward infrastructure, social investment, and other critical sectors.

He also commended the administration’s unification of the foreign exchange market, describing it as a major step toward restoring investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness. The senator noted that the reforms have attracted renewed interest from international partners and signaled a commitment to transparent economic management.

Beyond economic restructuring, Araraume pointed to ongoing infrastructure expansion as evidence of the administration’s focus on national development. He cited the acceleration of key road projects, renewed efforts to expand rail connectivity, and the push to improve power generation and distribution as initiatives that reflect the President’s long-term vision for a more productive Nigeria.

The senator further acknowledged the government’s interventions in agriculture, including support for mechanization and targeted programmes aimed at boosting food security. He said these efforts are essential to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local production.

On the diplomatic front, Araraume praised Tinubu’s engagements across Africa and beyond, noting his role in strengthening regional cooperation within ECOWAS and advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.

“As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to recognise the resilience and determination with which President Tinubu has approached the task of nation-building,” Araraume said. “His commitment to reforms, economic stability, and democratic governance continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s future.”

He wished the President good health, renewed strength, and continued wisdom as he leads the country through what he described as “a defining period in Nigeria’s history.”

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