Osun state governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has approved free train ride for citizens of the state coming from Lagos to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-kabir (Ileya) in Osun.
This according to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Adeniyi Adesina, said it is in continuation of the state usual gesture during festive periods.
The statement said those travelling from towns on the route between Lagos state and Osun would also benefit from the free trip.
The free train, according to the statement, will convey holiday makers from Iddo Terminus of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Lagos to Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo.
The schedule of movement indicates that the train will depart the Iddo Terminus in Lagos by 10am on Friday, August 9 and will be expected to arrive at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park Train Station in Osogbo by 6pm of the same day.
“For the return journey, the train will depart the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park Train Station in Osogbo at 10am on Tuesday, August 13, and arrive at the Iddo Terminus in Lagos by 6pm, of the same day.
“Since assumption of office about eight months ago, the administration of Governor Oyetola has been providing free train services during festive periods to meet the needs of the people of the state who might not be able to afford the cost of transportation during festive periods.
“The scheme is part of the social intervention programmes of the administration, aimed at providing succour for its citizens, with a view to saving them from untold hardship and stress they normally undergo during festive periods.
“The government had extended similar gestures during the 2018 Christmas and New year celebration; also during 2019 Eid-el-fitr as well as during the 2019 Easter celebration.
“Thousands of Osun citizens have benefitted from the free train movement since it was initiated by the government of the state of Osun in 2011.
