Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has publicly apologized for verbally harassing journalist Ladi Bala during her coverage of the recent Abuja-Kaduna train derailment. The incident occurred on August 26, affecting several coaches and injuring approximately 20 passengers.
During a press conference, Opeifa described his remarks as “regrettable,” attributing his behavior to the pressure of managing the crisis. He acknowledged the distress caused to Bala, a correspondent with the Nigeria Television Authority and former president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
The Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists condemned Opeifa’s conduct and called for a formal apology. In response, Opeifa named Bala as the ambassador for media advocacy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the NRC and the media.
The derailment involved one locomotive and eight coaches, with emergency plans activated to manage the situation. Opeifa highlighted the involvement of various agencies in the rescue operations.
Grace Ike, chair of the NUJ FCT, expressed satisfaction with the apology and reiterated the union’s commitment to fighting for journalists’ rights and freedom of speech.
