FORMER Delta State gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has commended the Federal Government for the construction of Warri-Itakpe rail.
He, however appealed to the government to extend the rail line to Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain who spoke to journalists recently after making a trip from Warri to Itakpe on his way to Abuja commended the initiative of completing the rail project that started over thirty years ago.
He stated that the realisation of the railway and the completion of the Itakpe-Warri phase of the project by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration will bring succour to low-income earners in the axis hence it will make the transportation of both humans and goods faster, secured and cheaper.
Onuesoke pointed out that the rail line network which connects Delta, Edo to Kogi states, will make goods coming through Warri ports to be easily evacuated as federal government is highly committed to opening the businesses in the area and decongest the Lagos port which is becoming a source of worry to Nigerians.
He stated that he is impressed with the train time table which took off on August 1st.
“Starting from 1st of August, trains leaving Warri to Itakpe will commence double schedule:
Warri: 8am – 12:45pm Itakpe, Warri: 1pm – 6:00 pm
Itakpe, Itakpe: 8am – 12:25pm
Warri, Itakpe: 2pm – 6:30pm.
Also, weekend traveling will commence and this will also reduce the usual rush on week days.
He said,
This will reduce travel time and increase the level of passengers’ convenience,”
he said.
Onuesoke said the rail will boost commercial activities thereby generating revenue for both the Federal and state government, “it will equally galvanise commercial potential of the communities, young people, existing businesses and economic blueprints of various states it passes through,”
The chieftain also has a word for President Muhammadu Buhari, “it is imperative for President Muhammdu Buhari to stand by his promise of extending the Warri-Itakpe rail to Abuja before the expiration of his tenure in 2023. If that is done, it will achieve effective and efficient train services that will support the country’s trade and commerce,”
Describing railway mode of transportation as a vital backbone to support industrialization and economic development of Nigeria, he stressed, “If the Warri-Itakpe rail is link to Abuja, it would serve as a vital link of South-South geopolitical zones of the country to the Northern zones. It will link people across the cultural divides and expand the frontier of trade and commerce, which will lead to better standard of living for the citizens.”
Onuesoke advised that the primary beneficiaries of the transportation backbone, including, the iron and steel sector, stakeholders in agricultural and mining sectors on this corridor, as well as the host communities should protect and sustain the infrastructure and maximize the benefits that could be derived from it.
