By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

It was an exciting Eid-el-Kabir celebration, as Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke provided a free train ride for travelers from Lagos to Osun State.

Governor Adeleke, despite the heavy downpour on Saturday, was on the ground at the Osogbo train station to receive the passengers who arrived in large numbers. Upon sighting the Governor, the passengers were elated, shouting “Imole”.

While speaking with journalists, the Governor said he was happy to receive Osun citizens who came to celebrate Sallah with their loved ones, noting that the journey provided them the opportunity to see the good works his administration is doing in the state.

“What we did is to offer them a free ride from Lagos to Osun for those who want to celebrate Sallah with their families, and I am happy to receive them,” he said.

The Governor assured the holidaymakers of their safety, asking them to be law-abiding citizens, and emphasized that the state is peaceful.

Accompanied by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, and other senior government officials, Governor Adeleke expressed happiness while welcoming the passengers, who were visibly excited to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir with their families and loved ones.

Coincidentally, Senator Ademola Adeleke is the first Osun State Governor to be physically present at the Osogbo Terminus of the Railway Corporation, Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, to welcome passengers since the free train services commenced by the Osun State government nearly fourteen years ago.

Some of the passengers who spoke to journalists appreciated Governor Adeleke for the gesture, which provided them with another opportunity to celebrate Sallah with their families and loved ones in Osun.

Mrs. Ireti Abifarin, a widow and mother of three, described the journey as worthwhile, saying that this was her first time enjoying the free train ride with her children. She applauded the Osun State Government.

“My children are very happy riding on the train for the first time and also excited that they will be celebrating Sallah with their grandparents in Ikirun. The government has done well for us considering the high transport fares. I thank Mr. Governor.

“In fact, I am so happy to see my Governor ‘Imole’ receive us. This is my third time joining the free train service from Lagos to Osogbo, and this is the first time a Governor has come to receive us. I am so happy, and I pray that God will continue to strengthen the Governor to continue leading the state. We are enjoying his leadership and we love him.”

An indigene of Ila-Orangun, Aboderin Olaide Shakiru, who enjoyed the free train ride, commended the Osun State Government for the gesture, noting that it saved him thousands of naira in transportation costs from Lagos to Osun State.

Explaining how he learned about the free ride, Shakiru said he got the information from friends who heard the announcement on the radio. He urged the Governor to continue his good works, adding that the people of the state, both within and outside, are enjoying his leadership and government.