Eid-el-Fitr: Osun Govt, NRC Launch Free Train Service for Indigenes Travelling from Lagos

As part of arrangements for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the Osun State Government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, has introduced a free train service for indigenes travelling from Lagos to Osogbo.

The special service, tagged “Imole Special Train,” will operate along the narrow-gauge railway corridor from Iddo Station in Lagos to Osogbo, offering free transportation to Osun indigenes returning home for the Sallah celebration.

According to a statement issued by the corporation’s Public Relations Officer, Calistus Unyimadu, the initiative is fully sponsored by the Osun State Government, while the railway corporation will provide operational support, rolling stock and technical services.

The statement explained that the gesture forms part of the state government’s festive intervention programme aimed at easing transportation challenges during the holiday period.

In addition, the railway corporation announced extra trips on major routes nationwide to meet increased passenger demand during the festive season.

On the Lagos-Ibadan corridor, three trips are scheduled for Thursday, with departures from Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta, at 7:40am, 1:40pm and 4:00pm, while trains from Moniya Station will depart at 8:00am, 10:50am and 4:30pm.

For the Abuja-Kaduna route, two trips are slated for Thursday, while three daily trips will run from Friday through Sunday.

The Warri-Itakpe service will maintain its regular three-times-weekly operations, with departures from Warri on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, while trains from Itakpe will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Similarly, the Port Harcourt-Aba service will continue on its existing timetable.

The corporation assured passengers of safe and reliable operations and urged Nigerians to take advantage of rail transport during the festive season.

Meanwhile, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar had announced that the moon for the commencement of Shawwal was not sighted, confirming Friday, March 20, as Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria.