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President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that the country’s moribund rail system will begin to function before the end of the month.

Addressing a rally in Osogbo, Osun State, yesterday in continuation of his presidential campaign, Mr Jonathan said that the rail line between Lagos and Jebba will be completed in March and open for operation.

“I have just received a report from the Chairman of the Nigeria Railway Corporation that by the end of this month, segment of railway between Lagos and Jebba would be completed and people will begin to board train from Osogbo,” he said.

Mr Jonathan also called for unity amongst Nigerians, saying it is only through unity that the nation can make progress, adding that his administration will pursue policies that will help cement the unity of the country.

The President assured the youth that his administration will do all it can to provide them good education and job opportunities.

He said, “We have formidable youth in Nigeria and we are going to use them maximally for the benefit of this country. They are needed to stimulate our economy for the development of our great country.”

While pledging to transform the economy of the country within the next four years, President Jonathan assured the people of the state that the ongoing dam projects in Ilesa and Ile-Ife will be completed by his administration to boost agricultural production in the state.

He also said the federal government will look into the commercial viability of the solid mineral deposit in the state.

Traffic jam

It was difficult to move along major streets in Osogbo during the visit and security was beefed up in strategic places. Some of the roads leading to the Osogbo city stadium, venue of the rally, were also blocked off. The event also interfered with commercial activities in the state as major markets in the state capital, including the popular Igbona market located at the stadium road, was closed down to ensure free flow of traffic to the stadium while the campaign lasted.

Security agents in the state had a hectic time controlling traffic along major roads in the state, especially the new Ikirun road which leads to the venue of the stadium.

Commercial drivers were prevented from plying the road which leads to Kwara State and some other parts of the country as security men stationed on the road diverted vehicles to other roads.

As early as 7.00 am yesterday officers of the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police, State Security Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were present at strategic locations in Ile-Ife and Osogbo.

The President was received by the Ooni of Ife Oba Okunade Sijuwade. After the courtesy call on the traditional ruler, Mr Jonathan also visited the Ataoja of Osogbo, Jimoh Olanipekun before he addressed the stadium rally.

The President was accompanied by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the National Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bello Mohammed, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, Kwara State Governor, Bukola Saraki, Minister of Youth Development, Olasunkanmi Akinlabi and members of the National Assembly.