I have known Dr Kayode Opeifa since his days as the Commissioner of Transport in Lagos State
He is very knowledgeable in transport business..Very friendly too
But he has faced serious challenges since President Bola Tinubu appointed him as the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation
Latest being the derailment of a Train heading to Kaduna from Abuja
But that is the least of the issue for me
His alleged harassment of a female reporter of NTA is what is raising the dust in the media space
He not only harassed her according to NAWOJ and NUJ FCT , he called her all manners of unprintable names and ended up threatening to get her sacked
I learnt the MD was furious the lady went on a live coverage during his recent visit to the site of the derailed train
I know Stella Din Jacob the new Executive Director of News at NTA as a no nonsense professional
This is a litmus test for her and the new NTA management
This harassment and embarrassment must not be swept under the carpet
If Dr Opeife is found wanting in this stance, he must be made to tender an apology to this lady who was only doing her job except there is more to it that meets the eyes
The press statement by NAWOJ on the incident is in the comments section
Chris Kehinde Nwandu Is Executive Editor CKNNews
NAWOJ STATEMENT ON THE INCIDENT
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, strongly condemns the harassment, intimidation, and verbal abuse of our member and former National President, Comrade Ladi Bala, by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa.
The incident, which occurred while Comrade Ladi Bala was performing her lawful duty as a journalist on official assignment in Abuja, is a gross violation of her dignity and a direct attack on press freedom.
We are shocked that a public officer occupying such a high office could resort to derogatory remarks such as “You are stupid” against a respected professional. Even more disturbing was the attempt to shame her with unfounded comments about dressing — an unacceptable form of gender-based humiliation. Comrade Ladi Bala is widely known for her decency, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to ethical journalism.
It is shameful that in 2025, when women are breaking barriers and fighting against all forms of discrimination and gender-based violence, the head of a government agency would attempt to silence and intimidate a woman journalist with insults, threats of job loss, and character assassination.
We demand:
1. An immediate public apology from the NRC Managing Director to Comrade Ladi Bala, NAWOJ, and the entire journalism profession.
2. A full-scale investigation into this act of harassment to serve as a deterrent to future occurrences.
3. Stronger institutional safeguards to protect women journalists from gender-based intimidation, harassment, and violence while on duty.
NAWOJ FCT stands firmly with Comrade Ladi Bala and reiterates that no journalist should ever be subjected to degrading treatment for performing their constitutional duty.
We will continue to resist all forms of abuse, intimidation, and discrimination against women in the media space.
Signed:
Nkiru Okereke
Secretary, NAWOJ-FCT
Bassey Ita Ikpang
Chairperson, NAWOJ-FCT