As Nigeria eagerly anticipates the transfer of presidential power on May 29th, a comprehensive program of activities has been unveiled to ensure a smooth transition from the current administration to the incoming one.
The activities, carefully planned by the Presidential Transition Council (PTC), commenced on Thursday, 18th May, with a World Press Conference held at the Rotunda Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja.
This conference provided a platform for officials to address the media and communicate important updates regarding the transition process.
According to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the PTC, Boss Mustapha, there will be a regimental dinner at the Armed Forces Officers Mess on Tuesday 23rd of May, to honor the Commander in Chief.
This gathering will serve as a tribute to Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership and dedication during his tenure.
The following day, Wednesday 24th May, a valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) session will take place at the FEC Chambers, Aso Villa, providing an opportunity for cabinet members to bid farewell and express their gratitude to President Buhari for his guidance and vision.
One of the key highlights of the transition program is the investiture ceremony on Thursday, 25th May, where the President-Elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President-Elect Kashim Shettima, will be honored with the National Honors of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON) respectively.
This prestigious event will be held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), and it will also include the official handover of transition documents.
On Friday, the 26th of May, a public lecture at the National Mosque, followed by Jumaat prayers, while an inaugural lecture on the topic: “Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development” will be delivered by the former president of Kenya, Uhuru M. Kenyatta, only Saturday, 27th May, at the ICC.
Additionally, a Children’s Day program will be held, featuring a parade and a delightful children’s party, ensuring that the younger generation is included in the festivities.
The significance of faith will be celebrated on Sunday, the 28th of May, with an Inter-Denominational Church Service taking place at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
This service will bring together people of different religious backgrounds to pray for the nation’s future and the success of the new administration.
The grand finale of the transition program will be the Inauguration Dinner/Gala Night on Sunday, the 28th of May, held at the State House Conference Centre.
This prestigious event is expected to gather prominent guests, including brother Presidents, Heads of Government, and other specially invited dignitaries, to commemorate the incoming President’s assumption of office.
Finally, on Monday, the 29th of May, the Inauguration Parade and Swearing-In ceremony of President-elect Tinubu as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will take place at the Eagle Square.
Following the inauguration, a post-inauguration luncheon will be held at the State House Banquet Hall, exclusively for Mr. President and his invited guests.
In addition to the program of activities, several committees, including the Security Facilities and Intelligence Committee, have been established to ensure the smooth execution of the transition process.