Presidential Inauguration: FG Budgets N830m

Presidential Inauguration: FG Budgets N830m

Yayale Ahmed, Secretary to the Government of the Federation

Federal government Monday said the sum of N830 million was earmarked to ensure the successful inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan’s slated for this week

Yayale Ahmed, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) who disclosed this in Abuja at a press briefing to herald the activities for the inauguration said N1.3 billion was initially earmarked for the programme.

While assuring that comprehensive security measure has been put in place to ensure hitch-free ceremony, the SGF said there is nothing to worry about in regards to security as all necessary preparations are on ground to ensure adequate security. “Comprehensively, I am satisfied with security measures put in place by the security committee” Yayale said.

He recalled that a presidential committee was put in place made up of 14 sub committees that were specifically assigned with responsibilities to achieve seamless preparation and coordination of all the activities leading to the inauguration, stressing that each of the committee has worked towards the success of the exercise.

He pointed out that “the  programme of activities for the  inauguration of the new president represents a symbolic celebration of the deepening of democracy as exemplified by the recently concluded elections. As democracy is consolidated and becomes better internalised, it will generate the enabling environment for talents not only to blossom but put into a positive and productive uses thereby growing the economy and releasing the Nation from stranglehold of poverty”

The SGF explained that the press briefing marked the commencement of the major activities lined-up for the inauguration while the president was expected to have an interactive session with the business community in Lagos yesterday.

Other activities lined up for the programme include a presidential special session with Youths in Lagos Tuesday, 24th May, 2011, and a dinner for corporate Nigeria at State House Marina, while an exhibition and unveiling of Mr. President’s Portrait at Shehu Musa Yaradua  centre in Abuja will come up on Wednesday.

Yayale said there would an inaugural lecture by a distinguish scholar at Ministry of Foreign Affairs conference Hall Abuja on Thursday, with the First Lady’s Banquet for women at the Banquet Hall, State House same day.

The activities would be seasoned with Juma’at Prayer and special supplication for the peace, Unity and progress of Nigeria on Friday as well as a special children’s day on Friday which will feature a children Match Past, a special session of the Children’s parliament and other activities organized for the less priviledge children by the first lady Patience Jonathan.

Also on Saturday there would be a football match between Kano Pillar FC and Enyinmba FC of Aba at the National Stadium Abuja, this would be followed by a thanks giving service to be attended by the president at the National Christian Worship Centre Abuja by 4pm on same day. There would also be a musical/cultural and firework display on the evening of Saturday. All these activities would be capped with the actual swearing-in ceremony of the president on May 29, 2011, at the eagle square, in Abuja.