The Gathering of ex-Student Leaders in Lagos State has congratulated Comrade Dr Kayode Opeifa on his appointment as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), reports thegazellenews.com
The group in a statement released in Lagos described the appointment as well deserved.
The signatories to the statement include: Comrade Yaqub Eleto, Esq, Honorary Life Member, NANS JCC Lagos and former Chairman, NANS JCC Lagos, Lagos State University; Comrade Balogun Murtala, ex-President, Lagos State Polytechnic now Lagos State University of Technology Students’ Union; Comrade Giwa Yisa Temitope (Topnotch), former NANS National PRO, University of Lagos; Comrade Waheed Ojoare, former President, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education now Lagos State University of Education Students’ Union; and Comrade Ghoriola Mosobolaje, ormer President, Federal School of Fisheries and Marine Technology (Oceanography).
Others are: Comrade Ogunnowo Olusola,
former President, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Students’ Union; Comrade Sanusi Sulaimon BAKINDO, ex-Chairman NANS JCC Lagos, University of Lagos; and Rt. Hon. Aworinde Gbolahan, former Speaker, Lagos State Polytechnic now Lagos State University of Technology.
According to the ex-students’ leaders, “this appointment is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills and extensive experience in public service. It also reflects his commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and unwavering support for the development of society.
“As former Student Union leaders, we are proud to celebrate the success of one of our own. Comrade Opeifa, a mentor and trailblazer, has once again demonstrated his capacity for excellence by assuming such a prestigious role. His appointment is undoubtedly a perfect fit, and we are confident he will use his wealth of knowledge and experience to transform the nation’s railway system under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this wise and visionary decision. We are confident that Comrade Opeifa will have a meaningful and positive impact in his new role. Once again, we extend our congratulations to our very own Comrade Kayode Opeifa on this remarkable achievement.
“Comrade Kayode Opeifa’s journey of leadership and activism began as a Student Union leader and activist at the University of Ilorin in the early 1980s. He was a founding member of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) and the Campaign for Democracy (CD), alongside prominent figures like Dr. Beko Ransome Kuti, Chief Alao Aka-Bashorun, and Prof. Festus Iyayi. Between 1989 and 1997, he served in various capacities in the CDHR, including Vice Chairman, Acting Chairman, and Chairman of the Lagos State Branch. He was also a member of the expanded National Executive Council of the CDHR, contributing significantly to the pro-democracy movement and the actualization of the June 12 mandate.
“During his brief tenure as a Biochemistry lecturer at Lagos State University (LASU), Comrade Opeifa served as an executive ex-officio member and later as Vice Chairman of ASUU-LASU until 1997, when he went into exile during the Sani Abacha regime. He also represented the university congregation at the Senate, giving voice to students and staff alike.
“As Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation under Governor Babatunde Fashola, Comrade Opeifa played a key role in mediating between LASU students, the university management, trade unions (ASUU, NASU, and SSANU), and the Lagos State Government during tuition-related crises from 2011 to 2014. His skillful involvement led to amicable and mutually beneficial resolutions.
“For over two decades, Comrade Opeifa has been a pillar of support to student activists, past and present, in Lagos State and beyond. He is widely regarded as a compassionate humanist, a progressive leader, and a steadfast advocate for justice and equity.
“It would be a disservice to history if we fail to recognize his unwavering support for student leaders and activists. Once again, we appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Comrade Kayode Opeifa to this pivotal role and pray for his continued guidance as he delivers on his campaign promises”.
