By Dr. Adebunmi Akinbo 
In 1956, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh embarked on a historic journey through Nigeria, traveling by rail to major cities like Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, and Calabar. For this special occasion, a luxurious train coach was custom-built for the Queen. Francis Jaekel, a seasoned veteran of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), had the honor of transporting the royal couple.
Today, the Queen’s old coach rests in a train shed in Ebute-Metta, a relic of a bygone era, bearing the old NRC logo. Jaekel’s former residence, the Jaekel House, has been transformed into a heritage museum, preserving his legacy.
While the train shed recently served as a venue for the Lagos Bienniale, showcasing art installations, the fate of the royal coach hangs in the balance. As Nigeria grapples with a history of neglecting its historical artifacts, the question remains: Will this piece of royal history be restored to its former glory, or will it be left to fade away?
'Shèun Ominira 