Dele Moses, Ilorin
Minister of State for Transportation, Gbemisola Saraki, has commended President Mohammadu Buhari for naming the Ajaokuta railway station in Kogi State after her late father, Olusola Saraki.
The minister in a statement said she was thanking the president on behalf of the family of the late politician who was a Senate Majority Leader in the Second Republic and a political leader of the old Kwara State that included the present Kwara and Kogi states.
Saraki who said her father dedicated his life to service of people of the old Kwara described the honour as a recognition of his contribution to socio-economic and political development of the two states and the country at large.
The statement reads: “On behalf of the family of the late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, I express a deep appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Muhammad Buhari, GCFR, for naming the Ajaokuta Train Station after our beloved father and renowned statesman, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki.
“The people of Kwara and Kogi have for long been closely tied by history and culture. The late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki ardently dedicated his life to an unwavering service of the people of old Kwara State and the federation, bestowing this honour is a recognition of his contributions to the socio- economic and political development of the old Kwara State and the federation.
“Naming the Ajaokuta Train Station after our late father is a testament to his life’s work for the advancement of these states. We have no doubt that the construction of the Ajaokuta Train Station by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration will contribute immensely to the economic development of our beloved country, Nigeria.
“We commend your leadership and commitment to resuscitating rail transportation in the country through the assiduous and enviable effort of the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and reaffirm the support of the family in the realisation of your laudable efforts.”