From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Bola Tinubu has announced free train services for Nigerians from December 20 to January 5 to ease transportation costs for vulnerable citizens.
It also approved the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made this disclosure at the end of the 14th council meeting of this administration and the last for the year 2024, during a press briefing with State House Correspondents on.
He said the renaming is to honour General Yakubu Gowon (retd), who served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1966 to 1975 and is celebrated for his leadership during a pivotal period in the nation’s history. The gesture comes shortly after General Gowon recently celebrated his 90th birthday, marking a significant milestone in his life.
The minister emphasised that the proposal to rename the university will be forwarded to the National Assembly for formal approval, ensuring that the change is officially recognised.
Idris said the FEC will go on recess from December 18 until January 6, during which no meetings will occur.