By Ben Efe 16.2.2026
It was a ride of excitement and fun for all on board the Nigeria Railway Corporation Naija Fest Love Train on February 14, 2026, a day to remember for lovers and newfound lovers, some who felt the day should last forever.
It was the maiden trip of the Naija Fest Love Train, a new concept in entertainment on Valentine Day and judging from the smiles and the high fives of the company executives, Nigerian music artists and actors and regular folks it was a worthwhile adventure.
True to the promise of the organisers it was a recreation of the popular TV soap opera “Love Boat.” The ride was smooth, music was good, food and drinks were abundant and most of all the networking for those who have eyes for business was real.
The journey began at the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station at Ebute Metta, a modern train station complex comparable to that of most developed countries. The weather was excellent, especially when it poured rivers the previous night.
One by one the VIPs, celebrities, ticket holders and supporting staff appeared at the station, there was a long while of meet and greet, which was called to a halt by the train stewardess who reminded everyone the ride will take off at exactly 12.30pm.
And of course, the wheels began to turn slowly out of the station right on schedule, the train decked with Valentine Day decorations, leisurely moved along the corridor, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi. There was a brief stop at the Agege Station before it glided into the countryside of Ogun State.
Meanwhile guests on board were getting familiar with the environment, while the DJs tweaked their equipment, mid-way into the journey the excitement kicked into the air. At the VIP section NRC managing director Dr. Kayode Opeifa welcomed his guests who were wowed by the opulence of the coaches, and they didn’t hide their feelings. These include Actors Guild of Nigeria president Abubakar Yakubu and actor Emeka Ossai, Don Pedro Aganbi and many others.
In the other coaches, drink and food flowed and there was plenty of old school and Gen Z music oozing from the speakers. Shortly afterwards one of the major attractions of the event unfolded, the long-awaited fashion parade first of kind in Nigeria.
The models were graceful in their strides as they walked the runway from the lead coach and up to the executive coach. Alariwo of Africa took over at some point, urging everyone to enjoy themselves otherwise “Yawah go Gas.”
Gradually the “Love Train” rolled to a halt at the Ibadan Station, the celebration of love continued at the station as guests milled around the station exchanging pleasantries, soon the preparations for the return journey were concluded and stewards urged the guests to get back on board.
And it seems that was when the real party started; Yinka Davis treated the audience to some of her songs and she was all over the place in her usual self, giving fans pep talks and high fives.
Rapper Electra electrified the atmosphere with her high pitch and low pitch rapping; she even went topless to justify the energy and fans lapped up every word of her song. Sunny Nneji then took up the mike dishing out his hit tune “Oruka” and followed up with “Tolotolo” and “Do me I do you.”
The Karaoke bar was opened, and several singers took their turns to show the “Love Train” what they had in store. Moments after some of the over excited ladies took over as they danced from coach to coach in the charged atmosphere of love.
“This is quite remarkable. I wish this train could just go on to Ilorin, on and on,” said a lady who identified herself as Modupe, she had been quiet all the way from Lagos.
Celebrity Cornel Udofia who was moving from coach to coach cheering up lovers added: “I’ve never had fun like this for a long while I just hope that we will be having another like this soon.”
Also, a budding actress and film maker Valentine Odenigbo who happened to be born on Valentine Day, couldn’t contain her joy. She was given a surprise birthday cake and treated to a standing ovation.
“I couldn’t have wished for more. It was a pleasant ride, and it was my first time on a train, the experience was good, I’m looking forward to this next year.
The event was a joint collaboration with the NRC, the O’jez Entertainment Group, Nigeria Youth World Council, Tantalizers and other partners.
“It was a good outing, we can confidently say the next edition would ever be better,” said Henrietta Eregare, NRC senior public relations officer.
Mr. Joseph Odobeatu who is the managing director and chairman of the O’jez Entertainment Group said it was a worthwhile venture: “Considering the fact that we only started talking about the Naija Love Fest in mid-January, everything has turned out well.
“We have taken note of all the small hitches, next year we will do much better.”
When the train finally returned to the starting point at Ebute Metta, there was a banquet reception waiting, followed by a networking session and a dance party. The celebrants reluctantly walked into the evening talking about the exciting trip and looking forward to another joyous ride.