Biden’s Delegation for Tinubu’s Inauguration on May 23, 2023
President Joe Biden has officially announced the members of his delegation who will be attending the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Bola Tinubu. The ceremony will take place at Eagle Square in Abuja, where Tinubu will be sworn in as the 16th President of Nigeria.
The prestigious event has garnered international attention, with invitations extended to 65 world leaders, including Heads of State. Notable attendees will include past presidents, diplomats, representatives from international organizations, prominent Nigerians, and dignitaries from foreign governments and agencies.
The inauguration festivities will commence on Thursday, starting with the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic to Tinubu, as well as the bestowing of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger upon Vice-President-elect Kashim Shettima.
The occasion will witness the presence of representatives from 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 numerous others.
In preparation for the inauguration, President Biden released a statement on the White House website on Monday night, unveiling a nine-member delegation that will be attending the event.
Delegation from the United States for Tinubu’s Inauguration
Leading the delegation is Marcia L. Fudge, Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Presidential Delegation includes the following members:
1. Mr. David Greene: Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Embassy Abuja
2. The Honorable Sydney Kamlager-Dove: United States Representative (D), California
3. Honorable Marisa Lago: Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of commerce
4. General Michael E. Langley: Commander of U.S. Africa Command
5. The Honorable Enoh T. Ebong: Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
6. The Honorable Mary Catherine Phee: Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State
7. The Honorable Judd Devermont: Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, National Security Council
8. The Honorable Monde Muyangwa: Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development.
Various events have been scheduled for the inauguration, including a lecture titled “Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development,” which will be delivered by former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, on May 27.
Additional activities include the Regimental Dinner in honor of the Commander-in-Chief at the Armed Forces Officers Mess on May 23, the Valedictory Federal Executive Council Meeting at the Council Chambers inside the Presidential Villa on May 24, a Public Lecture and Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque on May 26, a Children’s Day Parade and Party on May 27, and an Inter-denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre on May 28.
Furthermore, an Inauguration Dinner/Gala Night is scheduled for May 28 at the State House Conference Centre. The inauguration and swearing-in of the president-elect and vice president-elect will take place on May 29, accompanied by an inauguration parade at the Eagle Square.
Following the ceremony, a post-inauguration luncheon exclusively for the President, fellow Presidents, Heads of Government, and distinguished guests will be held at the State House Banquet Hall.
