On May 29, 2023, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed the position of the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari.
Amid stringent security measures, the official handover ceremony took place at the Grand Eagle Square in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The venue was adorned with the nation’s iconic green-white-green colors. Dignitaries from various countries, including the Presidents of Ghana and Rwanda, graced the occasion.
The Chief Justice of the Federation, Olukayode Ariwoola, administered the presidential oath to President Tinubu, preceded by the oath-taking of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Following the formalities, outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari handed over the mantle of leadership to President Tinubu. With a sense of pride, Tinubu proceeded to inspect the Guard of Honour presented by the Nigerian Armed Forces before addressing the nation in his inaugural speech.
In his address, President Tinubu pledged to foster an inclusive government that would adequately represent women and youth.
“In our administration, women and youth will feature prominently,” he said.
“Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you,” he added. “We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own.”
He also emphasized the need for a “thorough house cleaning” of the country’s monetary policy, stating that the central bank “must work towards a unified exchange rate”.
Tinubu vowed to make security “the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail against insecurity and violence.”
Tinubu also promised to invest more in training and security equipment.