By SALIF ATOJOKO

The Federal Government on Monday said it would offer free train service to all Nigerians from Dec. 20 up until Jan. 5, 2025.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said this while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

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

?Recall that this also happened in the last Christmas period and the Sellah period. And Mr President has also approved that this year, from Dec. 20 to Jan. 5, there will be free transport service nationwide,? he said.

The Minister also said FEC approved a proposal by President Tinubu to rename the University of Abuja to honour General Yakubu Gowon.

?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 inthat 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,? said Idris.

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

He stated that the FEC would proceed on recess from Dec. 18 to Jan. 6, 2025. (NAN)