The Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mrs Kehinde Odediran has made it known that Imole free train service will not be able hold for this year Ileya festival due to a train accident that occurred around Lagos – Abeokuta old guage line.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary on Monday, it was disclosed that the accident affected part of the train track from Lagos – Abeokuta, halting any train movement on the line.
Mrs Odediran added that The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had commenced repair and rehabilitation work for the damaged part of the track. The work is still ongoing and reports from the NRC has confirmed that the free service cannot be accommodated.
The Statement reads; “Osun state government regrets to announce that the annual Imole free train service scheduled to convey hundreds of passengers from Lagos to Osun state to mark the Eid- El- Kabir celebration will no longer hold.
“The unfortunate development is as a result of serious technical issues being currently experienced by the Nigeria Railway Corporation ( NRC).
“We wish to state with all sense of responsibility and in line with the ideals of Senator Ademola Adelekes annual Imole free train service that as soon as the technical hitches get rectified,normal services will resume accordingly.
“We also wish to state that, notwithstanding the present unfortunate development, the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke will continue to provide the Imole Free Train Service to all our people during all festive seasons without any hindrance.
“Once again bear with us and accept our sincere apology in this regard .
“Happy Eid El Kabir to all our teeming Muslim brothers and sisters in Osun state and beyond.”
