Date Published: 05/23/11

May 29: 15 Heads of Govt to attend Inauguration
…Budgets N830million for event

Goodluck Jonathan

The Secretary to the Government of Federation, Alh Mahmud Yayale Ahmed,CFR, has confirmed to journalists in Abuja that 15 Heads of Governments have acknowledged Nigeria's invitation to witness the Inauguration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of the 40 invitation sent out, revelaing that only N830 Million has been budgeted for the event.

Yayale who did not release the names of the 15 Heads of Government said 20 more Heads of Governments are still expected at the May 29th event.

Briefing the media as part of activities to commence the week long events lined up for the inauguration, Yayale , stated that contrary to rumor and speculations that the committee had budgeted N5Billion for the event, he said “the committee initially budgeted N1.3billion but it was reduced to N830Million and whatever the case I assure Nigerians that we would not over shoot N1billion."

Speaking on the state of security preparedness following claims by some on threats to scuttle the inauguration he assured Nigerians that " we are very satisfied with all the security arrangements comprising all the security outfits in the country and assure you that we would do all to ensure nothing goes wrong".This he said includes the 26 states that are celebrating the inauguration.

On whether the committee had plans for the INEC Adhoc staff or the NYSC 10 who lost their lives in the line of service he noted that " Mr President has taken a decision on this we dont want to make it public , on the adhoc staff for those who sustained injury he has also ordered that they be given automatic employment while the others he advised should keep their fingers crossed.

Consequently he also stated that Nigeria will not invite any controversial personality as all measures were being put in place to all security breech.

On whether invitations were extended to all the other political parties he noted that they were automatic guests at the events and that their invitations had since reached them.

On the Programme of event he said President Jonathan is scheduled to meet with the Business Community at lagos on May 23rd, 2011. Also a special session with the youth on Tuesday, May 24th,2011 at The Eko Hotel, Lagos. Similarly later in the evening Dinner for Corporate Nigeria at The State House, Marina Lagos.

Back at Abuja on Wednesday, 25th May , 2011 Exhibition Nigeria Our Nigeria, / Unveiling of Mr Presidents Portrait at the Shehu Musa Yar Adua Centre.

Thursday May 26th, 2011 Inauguration Lecture at Ministry for Foreign Affairs Conference Hall Abuja. First Lady Banquet for Women , Banquet Hall State House,

Friday May 27th , 2011 Jumat Prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja , Children's day celebration at the old parade ground Area 10 Garki.

Saturday, May 28th,2011 Football match at the National Stadium.

Thanks giving Church Service at the National Christian Centre

Inauguration Banquet Banquet Hall State House.

Inauguration Eve Musical/ Cultural Festival & Fire Works Display Old Parade Ground.

Sunday , 29th May 2011, Swearing In Ceremony at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

The SGF noted that Nigerians being football lovers in order to meet the yearnings of football lovers a football match has been scheduled between Kano Pillars FC and Eyimba FC of Aba on Saturday , 28th May, 2011. " 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 general elections and to consolidate our democracy" .

He commended the media for its immense contributions to national development from the struggle for independence to the current era in which we are consolidating democracy , while calling on Nigerians to participate fully in all the events.