The free train ride initiative of Osun State Government for Christmas festival has arrived Osogbo, the state capital safely.
The train, which was sponsored by the state government under Governor Gboyega Oyetola, conveyed over 500 people from Lagos State to Osun for festival period and will also convey another batch to Osogbo on December 31st for New Year celebration.
Jubilating passengers who arrived at Osogbo train terminal at about 10pm on Thursday, described the initiative as relieving.
The passengers, who were received by a government delegation led by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Bode Olanipekun, commended the state government for giving them the opportunity to reunite with their family members at no cost.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Risikat Aliu thanked the state government. She said she boarded the train from Ijora in Lagos and was taken Osogbo without paying a dime.
Aliu said, “I want to thank the state government under Governor Oyetola for remembering us with this. We’re appreciative of the gesture as it provided us opportunity to reunite with family and friends at home. I boarded the train from Ijora in Lagos and paid no money to anyone, we thank our governor.”
Another beneficiaries of the initiative, Tayo Adebayo also thanked the state government for the free ride.
Speaking to newsmen, Olanipekun said the initiative was born out of passion to ensure Osun indigenes in Lagos and Oyo states were given opportunity to reunite with their family and friends during festive periods.
He said the initiative will boost the economy of the state as those who have been brought will have contribute to buying and selling during their stay.
“We believe that those coming home will participate in buying and selling and exchange of services during their stay and that will surely contribute to the economy of the state”. Olanipekun said.
The Commissioner also congratulated the passengers for their safe trip, stating that another train will depart Lagos for Osun on December 31, while the return to Lagos will be after the New Year celebration.
