By Ibrahim Shehu
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has publicly apologized to the Nigerian media for verbally assaulting Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) journalist Comrade Ladi Bala while she was covering the aftermath of a train derailment along the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor.
Speaking at a News conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja, Dr. Opeifa explained that his remarks, made under intense pressure while managing the crisis, were misunderstood as hostility towards the press.
During the apology, Dr. Opeifa 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. To her, I offer my fullest apology. I also extend the same to the NTA, NAWOJ, and the wider journalism community.”
“Acting under pressure and in the heat of the moment while trying to ensure safety, I uttered some unkind words for which I take full responsibility.”
Dr. Opeifa also bestowed upon Ladi Bala the honorary title of “Ambassador for Media Advocacy, in recognition of her resilience, professionalism, and dedication to factual reporting despite the unfortunate incident.
On media relations during emergencies, Dr. Opeifa commended journalists for their coverage but urged accuracy to prevent panic.
Dr. Opeifa announced the establishment of a Customer Service and Relations Department to engage passengers and the media, noting the unit had contacted over 400 passengers affected by the Kaduna accident.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, who accompanied Dr. Opeifa, praised the NRC boss’s humility in offering the apology and pledged ongoing collaboration between the presidency, NRC and the media.
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