Yuletide: FG’s free prepare rides excite passengers

Passengers are delighted at President Bola Tinubu’s approval of free prepare rides nationwide from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

The President made this announcement to the delight of many passengers on Monday and appears to have opened the gate of journey to many who had given up on seeing their family members this season as they might not afford the skyrocketing transport fares.

Whereas talking with State Home correspondents in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Data and Nationwide Orientation, Mohammed Idris, mentioned the transfer was a part of the measures to ease transportation prices in the course of the Yuletide.

He mentioned, “As we did final yr, there can be free prepare service to all Nigerians from December 20 up till January 5, free prepare service nationwide.

“That is in step with the President’s want to cushion the impact of transportation, particularly to probably the most susceptible Nigerians.

“Recall that this additionally occurred within the final Christmas interval and the Sallah interval. And the President has additionally permitted that this yr.”

Talking with passengers randomly on the event, Yetunde Adeogun mentioned, ”if not for the announcement, I wouldn’t have travelled to my hometown this yr.”

Adeogu added that she already introduced to her son that they wouldn’t be travelling this yr, however with the gesture from the president, she’s going to meet her father or mother.

“The truth that the free rides will begin on the twentieth provides me pleasure. I’m so pleased, and I admire Tinubu for this. However please guarantee that there’s shut monitoring with the handlers in order that Dey received’t insist on taking cash for what the President already declared as free.”

She added that with the present financial challenges confronted by the nation, “Gestures like this can deliver smiles to the lips of Nigerians.”

One other passenger, Azeezat Aina, additionally mentioned, “We thank the federal government for the event; this got here on the proper time. I’m thrilled and pleased, and I say thanks to President Tinubu.”

Additionally, Mr. Adewale, who lives in Ogun State however works in Lagos, expressed pleasure with the event, saying the announcement will assist him save his transport until the fifth of January, ranging from the twentieth of December.

“No less than I can save my transport to enhance the excessive value of hen for the kids on the twenty fifth. Thanks to Mr. President; we actually admire it.”