By Fidelis Ugbomeh
The President, of a Non-Governmental Organisation; Legacy Museum, Taiye Olaniyi has called for partnership with corporate organisations and public spirited individuals in the effort to preserve and sustain historical heritage of railway development in the country.
He acknowledged the fact that some buildings and equipment had been allocated to management of the museum by Nigerian Railway Corporation’s management but that the buildings need upgrading while the wagons, components, coaches and steam engine and rail car displayed at the museum centres need to maintained.
Olaniyi who made this known in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Lagos recently however enjoined other corporate organisations and individuals to assist in upgrading of the four structures earmarked as museums by NRC management out of which one has been demolished for commercial purposes.
He pointed out that the old running shed museum where the coaches/steam engine and wagons used to convey Oueen Elizabert of England during her first visit to Nigeria in 1956 and: goods (in the past) are displayed respectively need to be upgraded.
On the geo-economic development of Nigerian railways, he implored government at all levels to invest in railway development and encourage our youths to get involved in railway engineering so as to sustain rail service.
According to Olaniyi, Nigerian Railways is regarded as a beautiful bride to countries like Britain, India, and more recently China that have over the years showed interest in assisting Nigeria’s rail develop due to its viability.
He said that hitherto, the administrative network and movement of people by railways made economic impact leading to urbanisation and socialization of many towns and cities in the country today.
“It is for this reason that the efforts of past and existing officials of the corporation are documented through pictures/books and showcased in our museums alongside equipment used for reference purposes by youths and adults”, Olaniyi declared.
He disclosed further that students from secondary schools and tertiary institutions usually visit Legacy and old running shed museums to catch a glimpse of visuals, pictures and equipment on display
Explaining further the facility manager, Legacy museum, Mr. Adewale Phillips said the centre has various sections ranging from conference to architectural room, exhibition/gallery room with pictures of past/present officials as well as historical structures like Mapo Hall at Ibadan, Iddo railway station, catholic cathedral, central mosque, Kano to mention but a few.
Other historical materials displayed at the museum are: thick wooden chair, kerosine fridge, model train, air alarm and rail car used for routine checks and track maintenance.
He said the serene environment of Legacy museum in railway compound also provides opportunities for visitors to book and organise picnics, birthday parties and photo shoot in a vintage car for intending couples.
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