Members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have applauded the ongoing transformation within the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), describing recent improvements in rail services as a clear sign of progress under the leadership of Kayode Opeifa.
The commendation came on Monday aboard the Abuja–Kaduna train, where NIPR members from across the country converged en route to the Institute’s Annual General Meeting holding at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Murtala Square, Kaduna State.
The fully booked train turned into more than just a mode of transport—it became a hub of interaction, networking and professional reconnection, as members reunited and engaged ahead of the conference. Many described the experience as both efficient and symbolic of the sector’s renewed potential.
Delegates from several state chapters, particularly from southern Nigeria, had earlier mobilised to Abuja, where they joined their counterparts from the Federal Capital Territory to utilise the rail service to Kaduna; an intentional show of confidence in the NRC’s improving operations.
Passengers commended the professionalism of NRC staff and the overall service delivery, noting that the experience reflected what is possible with effective management.
“With the right management, Nigerians are ever ready to give their best”, some members remarked during the journey.
While acknowledging the progress, they urged the Federal Government to deepen investment in rail infrastructure, stressing that sustained funding would not only improve services but also yield strong economic returns. They emphasised that railway operations are capital-intensive and require consistent support to maintain current gains.
Among dignitaries on board was the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesha, Jacob Adetayo Haastrup, who praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Opeifa to lead the NRC.
He noted that within a short period, the NRC boss has demonstrated the corporation’s capacity to drive economic development, adding that both he and Opeifa share academic roots from the University of Ilorin.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Chairman of NIPR, Samuel Ayetutu, explained that beyond concerns over road travel security, the Institute’s leadership deliberately encouraged members to travel by rail as a way of supporting ongoing reforms in the sector.
He called on the Federal Government to sustain its backing of the NRC, particularly in expanding rail connectivity across the country to provide Nigerians with safer and more reliable transportation alternatives.
The NRC delegation to the conference was led by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, alongside the Managing Director’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Yinka Aderibigbe.
The Kaduna gathering, which runs through the week, is expected to expose communication professionals to emerging trends and innovations in public relations practice.
It also serves as a precursor to the global public relations conference scheduled to be hosted in Abuja later in the year, where practitioners from around the world will converge to address evolving challenges in the industry.