Yuletide: Tinubu approves free train rides for 2 weeks

President Bola Tinubu has approved free train service for all Nigerians, beginning from December 20, 2024, till January 5, 2025.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, December 16.

Idris said the free train service was consistent with Tinubu’s desire to cushion the effect of high transportation costs for Nigerians.

“Recall that this also happened in the last Christmas period and the Sallah period. And Mr President has also approved that this year; from December 20 to January 5, there will be free transport service nationwide,” he said.

The minister disclosed that FEC also approved a proposal by Tinubu to rename the University of Abuja to honour General Yakubu Gowon.

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Idris added: “The University of Abuja will now be known as Yakubu Gowon University. Of course, the processing will have to go to the National Assembly, for all legislation in that direction.

“But FEC has taken that decision to write to the National Assembly to change the name of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, in honour of the former head of state and elder statesman.”

He said the council commended Tinubu for his stewardship for the past 18 months and also reiterated the commitment of its members and support for his programmes and leadership.

The minister stated that FEC would proceed on recess from December 18 to January 6, 2025.

The Star