The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has issued a public apology to NTA journalist and former NAWOJ President, Comrade Ladi Bala, following a verbal assault during coverage of the recent Abuja-Kaduna train derailment.
Speaking at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja, Dr. Opeifa admitted his remarks were made under intense pressure and regretted any perceived hostility towards the media. The NUJ FCT Council had earlier condemned the incident as an attack on press freedom.
In a conciliatory gesture, Dr. Opeifa named Bala an “Ambassador for Media Advocacy” in recognition of her professionalism and resilience during the ordeal. He expressed deep remorse, taking full responsibility for the incident while highlighting the operational stress his team faced managing the derailment involving eight coaches and a locomotive.
