All is set for today’s official swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed ministers-designate, whose portfolios were announced last Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu.
“So far, we have successfully documented over 40 ministers-designate. The process was seamless as there were four registration points, and it took the ministers less than 10 minutes to complete the process.
“Also, invitation cards for the three guests of the ministers-designate were successfully given to each minister for onward delivery to their invited guests,” said Willie Bassey, a Director of Information at the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), yesterday.
He further explained: “Arrangements have been concluded to convey them from the office of the SGF tomorrow morning at 8.00 a.m. to the venue of the swearing-in ceremony.”
Recall that the SGF, George Akume, had explained that the ceremony would be performed by President Tinubu at the State House Conference Centre, Aso Villa, Abuja, at 10:00 a.m.
The ministers-designate to be sworn-in today are expected to “come with three guests each,” and be seated by 9:00 a.m. They underwent documentation at the office of the SGF on Saturday and yesterday, providing their individual curriculum vitaes, with detailed information about their age, as well as two passport photographs each, to allow them access to the venue of the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) described as well deserved, the appointment of Olawale Edun and Mohammed Idris as ministers.
Both had been executive members of the association. While Edun was Treasurer, Idris was General Secretary.
“Their very rich resumes and track records speak for them, and we congratulate them on their new assignments,” NPAN said, even as it thanked President Tinubu for giving the duo an opportunity to contribute to nation building.
Edun, an economist, was Chairman of Vintage Press, publishers of the Nation Newspapers, while Idris, a public relations guru and media entrepreneur, is Publisher of the Blue Print newspapers.
