20110524
Xinhua
ABUJA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government has released the program for the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan on May 29.

Yayale Ahmed, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), while briefing newsmen on Monday, said the press conference marked the commencement of major activities for the inauguration.

Ahmed, who is also the Chairman of the 2011 Presidential Inauguration Committee, said the president would have an interactive session with the Business Community in Lagos on Monday.

He added that there would be a presidential special session with youths in Lagos on May 24, while a dinner for Cooperate Nigeria would also hold on May 24 at the State House, Marina, Lagos.

Ahmed said there would be an exhibition and unveiling of the President's Portrait at Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Center on May 25, while an Inauguration Lecture by a distinguished scholar would hold at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Conference Hall in Abuja on May 26.

According to him, the first Lady's Banquet for Women will hold at the Banquet Hall, State House, also on May 26, while Juma'at prayer and special supplication for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria is on May 27.

"A Special Children's Day will hold on May 27 featuring a Children's march past, and a special session of the Children's Parliament and other activities organized for the less-privileged children by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan would hold," the SGF said.

Ahmed said there would also be First Lady's Children's Party and visit to some children's homes/hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory, where she would felicitate with and make presentations to them.

A football match between Kano Pillars Football Club and Enyimba Football Club of Aba would hold on May 28, the eve of the inauguration, at the National Stadium, Abuja.

A thanksgiving/church service to be attended by the president is scheduled to hold at the National Christian Worship Center, Abuja, by 4 p.m. local time.

"Other events are the Presidential Inauguration Banquet on Saturday, May 28, at the State House Banquet Hall, and a Musical/ Cultural and Fireworks Display same day," he added.

According to him, all these activities will be capped with the actual swearing in of the president on May 29 at Eagle Square, Abuja.

The SGF said the program for the inauguration represented the deepening of democracy as exemplified by the recently concluded elections.