Federal government has reeled out details of May 29 presidential inauguration and the first observance of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, said activities leading to the inauguration kicked off with the press conference held yesterday.

“This will be followed on Tuesday, May 21st, by the commencement of a three-day National Youth Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit at International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.

“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 National Mosque.

“The First Lady’s interaction with women is slated for the Old Chamber at State House on Saturday, May 25th

“A special Interdenominational Church Service is slated for Sunday, May 26th at 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.

“Swearing in of the President and Vice President is slated for Wednesday, May 29th at Eagle Square, to be followed by a State Banquet at State House in the evening of the same day 2019 Democracy Day Celebration (7-12th June 2019)”

Earlier, Mr Buhari had directed that effective 2019, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, marked every May 29, be shifted to June 12 to honour Moshood Abiola, winner of 1993 presidential election.

Senate also last week passed the bill approving June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day. The bill is yet to be sent to the president for signing into law.

Notwithstanding, the government is proceeding with the June 12 celebration based on the presidential announcement.

Events celebrating June 12 as Democracy Day will kick off on Friday, June 7 with a historical exhibition in arts, pictures and immersive environment. The events will run through June 12.

The June 7 event is slated to hold at ICC. It will be followed on Sunday, June 9 by a Youth Concert, Creative Industry, and Entertainment night also at the ICC.

On June 10, there will be a Secondary Schools Exhibition/Panel Discussion at ICC, and June 11 will feature three events: PMB Oratorical Contest at ICC, an Anti-corruption Summit at Transcorp Hilton and a First Lady’s Commissioning Programme in Yola, Adamawa.

Wednesday, June 12 will start off with a parade at Eagle Square, and the Democracy Day programme will wrap up with a Dinner and Gala Night at the State House Conference Centre.

While addressing the press, the minister assured that the federal government is addressing the security situation in the country.

He said security agencies were aware of various threats in different parts of the country and they are working to ensure peace and safety of all including world leaders invited for the events.

 

PT