It was a colourful mood in Aba and a first of its kind since Nigerian Railways commenced in Aba in 1915 as workers in Aba Railway Station celebrated Workers Day in grand style. The atmosphere was electric with joy, as the usual hustle and bustle gave way to cheers, laughter, and heartfelt camaraderie. For over a century, the station had witnessed many arrivals and departures, but never had it seen such a spontaneous outpouring of worker/passenger solidarity.
The Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, Aba Chapter led by its Chairman Comrd. Benedict Maduaburochukwu Ugochinyere and his excos marked the occasion by purchasing tickets for 10 passengers and equally entertained them with some snacks. In a rare display of selflessness, the union leaders chose to celebrate not by resting, but by giving and ensuring that some lucky handful of travelers would journey at no cost. The snacks, lovingly shared, turned a routine wait into an impromptu feast, binding workers and riders in shared appreciation.
In their separate reactions, passengers appreciated the Managing Director of the NRC, the Railway District Manager (RDM) and the Union for their kind gesture towards them. Many described the surprise as both humbling and uplifting, noting that such acts of generosity restore faith in public service. One visibly elated passenger remarked, “This is the first time I am boarding a train for free in all my years of traveling. May the railway workers never lack good things!”
It was a thing of joy and excitement to observe that even on a public holiday, while other federal workers were at home enjoying, the Iron Men of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, well adorned in their May Day uniform still attended to their duties on board the train, in excitement. They stood tall in their crisp uniforms, not out of compulsion, but out of genuine love for the rails and the people they serve. Their commitment sent a powerful message: that the railway is not just a means of transport, but a lifeline that never sleeps.
The same excitement was also visible in Enugu and Port-Harcourt as workers excitedly trooped out in their numbers, celebrating and thanking God for the opportunity of witnessing another May Day.
You really can’t beat the rail. We moooveee…
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long live Nigeria Railway Corporation!!
Long live the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers!!!