Dr Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, has urged stronger public trust and sustained civic education to correct misconceptions about government policies.
Opeifa made the call on Tuesday in Lagos during his goodwill message at the unveiling of the Renewed Hope Alive Movement (RHAM).
He said many national debates were driven by perception rather than facts, stressing the need for accurate information to guide public opinion.
“Public discourse must be anchored on facts, not assumptions,” he said, urging citizens to seek verified information.
Opeifa referenced past protests and policy debates, noting that leadership decisions, though sometimes unpopular, could deliver long-term national progress.
He commended ongoing reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, describing them as “necessary steps that have helped stabilise the economy and reduce inefficiencies.”
Addressing federal character concerns, he said appointments followed constitutional provisions designed to ensure balance across states.
He urged Nigerians to engage constructively, noting that no single group could dominate the country given its diversity.
On infrastructure, Opeifa revealed ongoing railway projects nationwide, highlighting increased collaboration between federal and state governments.
He encouraged state governments to take greater ownership of development initiatives, stressing that subnational efforts were vital to accelerating national progress.
Opeifa called on stakeholders, especially the media, to promote informed discourse and strengthen democratic values.
Convener of RHAM, Mr Kayode Tejuoso, said the initiative aimed to promote verified information, civic responsibility, and inclusive national development.
Tejuoso stressed the need for simple and accessible communication, noting that complex language often excluded citizens from governance processes.
“Communication must be clear and inclusive to enable participation,” he said.
He explained that the movement would bridge gaps between reforms and public understanding through fact-based narratives and verified data.
According to him, RHAM represents a collective voice promoting national achievements, optimism, accountability, and shared responsibility.
Tejuoso said the movement was initiated by private stakeholders across sectors to build a well-informed, united, and engaged citizenry.
He added that RHAM would adopt structured communication strategies focused on simplified messaging, transparency, and multi-platform dissemination.
The convener disclosed plans to expand across 774 local governments and 8,809 wards to ensure grassroots reach.
He stressed that sustainable development required active citizen participation, encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and engagement.
Tejuoso said the movement was open to students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders willing to contribute to national progress.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event climaxed with the formal unveiling of the movement by dignitaries.
