FG, Ogun outline economic benefits of Lagos – Ibadan rail line
*Charges residents to vote APC to ensure project completion
The federal and Ogun state governments have outlined the economic benefits of the newly completed Lagos – Ibadan standard rail project, while urging Nigerians to vote for the All Progressive Congress (APC) next Saturday for the consolidation of the project. Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, stated this Friday in Abeokuta during the official flag off of the three – month free passenger ride as part of activities to test running the project. According to the minister, the Lagos – Ibadan rail line is a project that continues to Kano state and as such must be supported by the people to ensure that the project is realised. “I am happy with the people living along this corridor and they have been wonderful. This is the first time I can see a people that a federal project passed through their lands and they made no demands to disrupt the ongoing project. “And with this experience, we made sure that the project is completed on time for the people’s benefit,” he stated. Amaechi further enjoined the people to rally round the ruling party in the forthcoming general elections to ensure the survival of the rail project across the country. “We are offering three – month free ride to passengers from Iju, Lagos to Abeokuta. In fact, I would suggest that anyone who will ride on this train should first of all show his permanent voters card,” said the minister. Also speaking, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state noted that his state will soon begin to enjoy the economic benefits of the rail line, adding that “my people will soon begin to feel the benefits of this project. “This is because the project has opened up the stretch of the land. Soon people will start building more houses and more infrastructures along the corridor. Soon business will spring up on both sides of the corridors to attract tourists and other economic activities.” The governor however, enjoined his people to be law abiding as usual in order not to abuse the privileges they will now enjoy.
