The Federal Government has confirmed that the sum of N820, 306, 727.10 would be spent for the presidential handing over ceremonies which starts on Friday, May 29 at the National Mosque, Abuja.
The Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr who confirmd the figures yesterday afternoon, said “Contrary to widespread but false media reports, the total amount approved for the ceremonies is Eight Hundred and Twenty Million, Three Hundred and Six Thousand, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Seven Naira and Ten Kobo (N820, 306, 727.10).
“It is germane to state here that the amount was agreed upon after thorough scrutiny of the budget proposals earlier submitted by the various sub-committees.”
Nweke disclosed that organisations like Zenith Bank, UBA, Total, Mobil Producing, Diamond Bank, Dangote Group and other corporate organizations were sponsoring some aspects of the programme.
The Minister said the series of events scheduled for the days, would be attended by dignitaries from Africa and many parts of the world, especially Heads of State and government, assuring that adequate security had been made to ensure hitch-free inauguration ceremonies.
The event he said, is considered worthy of celebration due to the fact that it would be the first successful civilian-to-civilian transition in the annals of Nigeria”s political development.
“May I appeal to Nigerian and foreign journalists who intend to cover the events to co-operate with personnel of law enforcement agencies as they discharge their duties.” he said yesterday at the International Press Centre of Radio House Abuja.
In the the programme schedule for the ceremony made available to THISDAY, the series of events would kick-off with a Jumat Service on Friday, May 25 as the President-elect Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua is expected to join other dignitaries at the prayer session holding at the National Mosque, Abuja.
Also in the programme is an international football match between Nigeria and Niger , just as a National Youth Leaders valedictory congress for Mr. President on Saturday, May 26.
The Inauguration thanksgiving and farewell service, Children’s Parliament and children’s match past have been slated for Sunday, May 27.