By Shola Abayomi.
The federal government has released details of the May 29 presidential inauguration and the first commemoration of June 12 as the nation’s new Democracy Day.
Communicating further to newsmen, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, narrated that the activities leading to the inauguration will commence with a press conference today.
He said, “This will be followed on Tuesday, May 21st, by the commencement of a three-day National Youth Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit at the International Conference Centre (ICC) here in Abuja
“The Federal Executive Council Valedictory Session will be held at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, May 22nd
“A Special Jumat Lecture and prayer will be held on Friday, May 24th at the National Mosque
“The First Lady’s interaction with women is slated for the Old Chamber at the State House on Saturday, May 25th
“A special Interdenominational Church Service is slated for Sunday, May 26th at the National Christian Centre.
“On Monday, May 27th, Mr President will give a Children’s Day broadcast, to be followed later in the day by a Children’s Variety Party.
“The swearing in of the President and the Vice President is slated for Wednesday, May 29th at the Eagle Square, to be followed by a State Banquet at the State House in the evening of the same day 2019 Democracy Day Celebration (7-12th June 2019)”
In compliance with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to shift the observance of Nigeria’s Democracy Day to June 12 to honour MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of 1993 presidential election, the government is proceeding with the June 12 celebration based on the presidential announcement.
The Senate had last week approved the bill to mark the country’s Democracy Day on June 12, but the bill is yet to be received by the president for ratification.