By Dr. Adebunmi Akinbo 
Lagos, Nigeria – March 18, 2025 – A delegation from Legacy 1995, led by President Mr. Taiye Olaniyi and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Josephine Nwokedi, paid a significant courtesy visit to Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), at the NRC headquarters in Ebute Meta, Lagos.
The visit, attended by key personnel from both organizations, aimed to reinforce the collaborative relationship between Legacy 1995 and the NRC in preserving the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Nigerian railway system.
Mr. Olaniyi expressed gratitude to Dr. Opeifa for facilitating the meeting and highlighted Legacy 1995’s commitment as a historical and environmental interest group dedicated to safeguarding the NRC’s heritage. He emphasized the historical significance of the Jaekel House mini-museum and other iconic railway buildings, stressing their value as educational resources and tourist attractions.
Legacy 1995 raised critical concerns regarding the preservation of railway heritage, including the ongoing challenges posed by flooding around Jaekel House, the need for increased security at the Old Running Shed (ORS) to prevent vandalism, and the desire to acquire additional archival materials for public education. The demolition of the Driver’s Lodge without historical consideration was also addressed, with a request for a suitable replacement.
Furthermore, Mr. Olaniyi highlighted the financial constraints faced by Legacy 1995 in restoring the Ilukwe House and other sites, appealing for increased support from the NRC.
Dr. Opeifa acknowledged Legacy 1995’s vital role in preserving railway heritage and emphasized the need for greater advocacy. He cited instances where Legacy 1995’s active involvement could have prevented the loss of historical structures, such as Quarter 24 and the damage during the NRC headquarters rehabilitation.
He underscored the importance of developing a comprehensive documentary showcasing the heritage sites within the railway compound to raise awareness and attract tourists, including educational tours for students and professionals. He also suggested a collaborative approach to address the flooding issue by engaging with the Lagos State drainage agency.
Dr. Opeifa pledged the NRC’s continued support for Legacy 1995’s preservation efforts and instructed his team to work with Legacy to create a documentary that would highlight the negative impact of prioritizing monetization over heritage preservation.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment from both organizations to strengthen their partnership and ensure the preservation of Nigeria’s railway heritage for future generations.
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