The Federal Government has reportedly invited about 65 world leaders, including Heads of State, to grace the inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the 16th President of Nigeria on May 29.
A director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to The Punch on Thursday that several African leaders had indicated interest in attending the inauguration ceremony which would take place at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The director confirmed that 65 world leaders from Africa, Europe, and America are expected at the swearing-in ceremony.
He also stated that past presidents, diplomats, heads of international organisations and prominent Nigerians, and representatives of foreign governments and agencies are expected at Tinbu’s inauguration.
The official said the inauguration programmes will begin on Thursday with the investiture of Tinubu with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and the Vice-President-elect, Kashim Shettima, as the Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON).
He stated that representatives of Nigeria’s traditional allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, China, Germany, Finland, Jamaica, Japan, Israel, Turkey, and several others are expected at the high-profile event.
He said:
“We have 54 countries in Africa and most of them have been invited to the inauguration; so, we don’t expect less than 65 world leaders from Africa, Europe, and America at the event.’’