More than 500 travellers took advantage of the Osun State Government’s complimentary train ride during the 2025 Easter holiday, as part of its Imole Free Train Service initiative.
The state’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Bunmi Jenyo, made the announcement on Friday while welcoming passengers at the Osogbo Train Station. According to a statement released by the ministry’s Information Officer, Ademiotan Adegbulugbe, the train departed from Lagos at approximately 10:00 a.m. and arrived in Osogbo shortly before 9:00 p.m. the same day.
The statement noted that, aside from those who journeyed all the way to Osogbo, numerous passengers disembarked at key stops in Ogun and Oyo States, highlighting the wide reach of the service.
While addressing the crowd at the station, Jenyo pointed out that the initiative served not just as a means of travel, but also as a valuable opportunity for many to transport goods back home, alleviating some of the financial stress associated with the holiday season.
“At the last count, over 500 passengers were recorded, and this figure doesn’t include those who boarded from Agege,” Jenyo said. “When you include passengers from Agege and Abeokuta, the total number certainly exceeds 500.”
He further relayed messages of appreciation from the beneficiaries to Governor Ademola Adeleke, expressing their gratitude and urging for the continuation of the initiative.
“Many of them asked me to thank the Governor on their behalf. They prayed for his success and said his second term is assured,” Jenyo added.
The initiative reflects Governor Adeleke’s ongoing efforts to ease the economic burden on citizens by supporting affordable, inclusive transportation solutions during major festive periods.