NRC MD Apologizes to Female Journalist, Commits to Gender Inclusion

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has publicly apologized to Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) journalist, Comrade Ladi Bala, following a verbal assault incident during coverage of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja, Dr. Opeifa admitted his remarks were inappropriate and expressed regret that they were directed at a senior female journalist and immediate past president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

Comrade Bala, who was carrying out her official duties at the crash site, had been subjected to verbal attacks described by the NUJ FCT Council as “dehumanizing” and a serious violation of press freedom.

In his apology, Dr. Opeifa praised Bala’s resilience and professionalism, conferring on her the honorary title of Ambassador for Media Advocacy as recognition of her dedication to factual reporting and commitment to women’s visibility in journalism.

“I sincerely apologize to Comrade Bala, to NAWOJ, and to the entire journalism family. She bore the brunt of my unkind words made under intense pressure, and I take full responsibility. My action in no way reflects my long-standing respect for women in media and society,” he said.

He emphasized NRC’s gender-inclusive policies, noting that half of the corporation’s management directors are women promoted strictly on merit, a record he described as unprecedented in the transport sector.

“Women have always played pivotal roles in nation building, and at the NRC we are committed to providing them with leadership opportunities to excel,” he added.

Dr. Opeifa further reassured the media of NRC’s partnership, stressing that journalists—especially women on the frontline—are allies in advancing transparency, public trust, and safety.

NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the apology but reiterated that harassment of female journalists would never be tolerated.

“This incident reaffirms the importance of protecting women in the media space. We are glad Dr. Opeifa has recognized the resilience of Comrade Bala and by extension women journalists across Nigeria. The NUJ FCT remains committed to safeguarding press freedom and ensuring female journalists carry out their duties without intimidation,” she stated.

She also noted that Bala’s new ambassadorial role within the NRC could further strengthen advocacy for women’s rights and professional welfare in the journalism industry.

The apology was also acknowledged by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, who described it as a show of humility and pledged stronger collaboration between the presidency, NRC, and women in the media.