Encomium
– Over 50 presidents expected
ABOUT N2 billion would be spent on the inauguration of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2015 with over 50 presidents and international figures expected to attend the event.
The Chairman, Media and Publicity Sub- Committee of the Presidential Inauguration Planning Committee, Chief Edem Duke made this known on Friday, May 22 in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the Eagle Square, venue for the inauguration is already wearing new looks with military personnel expected to have a match parade having their training ahead of the May 29 event.
Duke, who is also the Minister of Culture and Tourism, said: “As we speak, the 54 countries of the continent of Africa have been invited. Very many of the head of states will be coming.
“There has been a huge interest, especially, from head of countries in Europe to attend this inauguration and at the last count, I think we must have in excess of about 50 heads of state and delegation expected at this inauguration.”
He said that the week-long programme which started on Friday with Jumat prayer at the National Central Mosque, Abuja would go on successfully.
Duke revealed that high security strategy is being put in place for a hitch-free inauguration, adding that all guests for the various segments of the inauguration would be subjected to thorough screening. He said that some roads in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would be blocked on the inauguration day to ensure smooth movement to and from the Eagle Square.
The Minister also debunked media report claiming that the inauguration will gulp N3 billion. According to him, only N2 billion will be needed for a befitting inauguration.
He also pointed out that not all residents of the city need to throng the venue of the inauguration as big screens will be stationed at various points of the city to beam live proceedings of the inauguration.
