…provides free train ride in Yuletide
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 and Sellah periods. 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 that the 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 in that direction.
“But FEC has decided 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 reiterated its members’ commitment and support for his programmes and leadership.
He stated that the FEC would proceed on recess from Dec. 18 to Jan. 6, 2025.
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS EIGHT NEW PERMANENT SECRETARIES
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed eight permanent secretaries in the federal civil service to fill existing and impending vacancies in some states and geopolitical zones.
According to a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), the appointment was the second set of eight permanent secretaries appointed by the president, following those appointed last June from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Jigawa, Ondo, Zamfara, South East and South-South.
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation recommended that the new permanent secretaries be appointed after diligent selection.
They are:
- Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu (Abia State)
- Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip (Bayelsa State)
- Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia (Ebonyi State)
- Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam (Enugu State)
- Kalba Danjuma Usman (Gombe State)
- Usman Salihu Aminu (Kebbi State)
- Oyekunle Patience Nwakuso (Rivers State)
- Nadungu Gagare (Kaduna State)
President Tinubu urged the new permanent secretaries to demonstrate greater commitment, diligence, and innovation in serving the nation.