President
The rail line was conceptualised over 30 years ago, precisely in 1987 by the General
At the virtual inauguration of the rail line linking Itakpe to Warri,
The President declared that his administration recognised the importance of the railway mode of transportation as a vital backbone to support industrialization and economic development.
"Accordingly, I have approved the prioritization of viable railway routes for either new rail lines or the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some, to achieve effective and efficient train services supporting the country's trade and commerce.
"The
"This government has also approved to link this line further from Itakpe to
According to him, "It will link people across the cultural divides and expand the frontier of trade and commerce, which will lead to better standards of living for our citizens."
He recalled that to further give recognition to Nigerian sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves at nation building and development, 11 railway stations and railway village swere named after them.
He listed them as follows:
Others are
The President enjoined all Nigerians in the transportation industry, especially the railway sub-sector, to continue to support government in its stride to achieve other railway infrastructure projects.
He also enlisted the support of all at realizing this milestone of a functional and full-fledged central railway, after more than 30 years.
He said: "I implore those who work on this line to uphold maintenance and safety culture necessary for long-lasting service in this difficult terrain.
"By the same token, I urge other sectors who will be primary beneficiaries of this transportation backbone, including, the iron and steel sector, stakeholders in agricultural and mining sectors on this corridor, as well as the host communities to protect and sustain this infrastructure and maximize the benefits that could be derived from it and which is readily available at their doorsteps.
"This project will increase the volume of their trade and kickstart and resuscitate the iron and steel complexes.
"All these, I hope will improve our industrial potentials and capacities as well as boost employment."
Congratulating the Minister of Transportation,
In his remarks,
"It is a thing of pride and joy that this rail line was completed under your watch. Deltans are excited that this day has come," he said, adding that the Ika nation was glad of the recognition accorded former President
In his remarks, Edo State governor,
"For us in Edo State, we are excited that we have a few stops that have been completed and we are going to be working with you to utilise this infrastructure," he said.
In his remarks, Minister of Transportation,
He said: "There is no loan on this project, it was funded from the budget and I had the directive of the President to revive and complete it as soon as possible."
Vanguard
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