May 29: Things to know about Nigeria's inauguration day

Monday, May 29, 2023 is the day set side for the inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It is a day that was first selected by General Abdulsalami Abubakar in 1998 to handover power to a democratically elected civilian president on May 29, 1999.

Since 1999, the day has stuck and it is a day that has been celebrated every four years since 1999.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, as the winner of the 2023 presidential election after the 70-year-old polled a total of 8,794,726 votes.

These are 10 things to note about the inauguration of the president-elect:

- About 54 African countries and 65 world leaders from Africa, Europe and America are expected at the event.

- The event will take place at Eagle Square, Abuja.

- Representatives of Nigeria’s allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, China, Germany, Finland, Jamaica, Japan, Israel, Turkey and several others are all expected at the high-profile event.

- Regimental Dinner in honour of the Commander-in-Chief at the Armed Forces Officers Mess is slated for Tuesday, May 23.

- On May 24, Valedictory Federal Executive Council Meeting at the Council Chambers inside the Presidential Villa will be held.

- A first-of-its-kind inauguration concert planned by leaders of the youth wing in the All Progressives Congress will take place on May 25 at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja and Public Lecture and Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque on May 26.

- The former president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, would deliver the inauguration lecture titled ‘Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development’ on May 27.

- Children’s Day Parade and Party on May 27 and an Inter-denominational Church Service will be held at the National Christian Centre on May 28.

- Inauguration Dinner/Gala Night at the State House Conference Centre is billed for May 28.

- There will be a post-inauguration luncheon strictly for the President with his colleague Presidents, Heads of Government and guests at the State House Banquet Hall after the inauguration ceremony on the May 29, 2023.

FI