The Nigerian Railway Corporation’s Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has apologized for verbally assaulting journalist Ladi Bala while she was covering the aftermath of a train derailment along the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor. Dr. Opeifa bestowed an honorary title of “Ambassador for Media Advocacy” on Bala, recognizing her resilience and professionalism in the face of adversity.
The incident occurred when Bala, the immediate past president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, was performing her official duties at the derailment scene. The Nigerian Union of Journalists FCT Council had condemned Dr. Opeifa’s conduct, describing it as dehumanizing and a serious violation of press freedom.
Dr. Opeifa explained that his remarks were made under intense pressure while managing the crisis. He said, “I wish to sincerely apologize for the regrettable remarks I made, which were directed at a seasoned journalist and reflected poorly on both the NUJ FCT and NAWOJ.” He took full responsibility for his actions, stating that he uttered unkind words while trying to ensure safety and coordinate rescue efforts.
The train derailment involved eight coaches and one locomotive, with 618 passengers onboard. Seven coaches and the locomotive were damaged, resulting in around 20 passengers sustaining injuries, seven of them critically. The Nigerian Railway Corporation quickly responded by providing replacement coaches to evacuate stranded passengers and initiating contact tracing using passenger manifests within 45 minutes of the crash.
Dr. Opeifa praised the swift response from emergency personnel, including the Nigerian Army, Air Force, police, and local vigilantes, whose actions saved lives. He also acknowledged the efforts of medical teams deployed by the National Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Ministry of Health, Kaduna State Government, and FCT Administration.
In his apology, Dr. Opeifa extended his fullest apology to Bala, the Nigerian Television Authority, NAWOJ, and the wider journalism community. He described himself as a longtime advocate for human rights and trade unionism, emphasizing that he is not an enemy of journalists. The apology marks a significant step towards mending relations between the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the media, and reinforces the importance of press freedom and respect for journalists in Nigeria.
