It is a new dawn in the nation’s political history as Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Senator Kashim Shettima as Vice-President at a ceremony witnessed by large representation from the international community and dignitaries from across Nigeria.

Senator Tinubu who arrived the Eagle square, venue of the swearing in ceremony, wore a white Agbada with a green cap emblazoned with his customized logo at 9:45am went straight to the state box and shook hands with dignitaries from all over the world.

Shortly after him, by the protocol for the event, came former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former First Lady ,Hajiya Aisha Buhari and the former President, Muhammadu Buhari at 10:11 am. At 10:13am, the national anthem was taken signalling the commencement of the swearing programme with a Muslim and Christian prayers.

At 10:30am, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwola administered the oath of Office and allegiance first, on the Vice President who was accompanied by his wife , shortly after, President Tinubu mounted the podium, this time with the former President, his wife, son and members of his immediate .

To show his love and endorsement of the new President, the former President stood behind President Tinubu while signing the oath document. They later took some memorable photographs.

Some protocols and military traditions were observed such as the lowering/hoisting of national and defence flags, presidential parades and inspection of Guards of Honours. After the lowering/hoisting of the flags, former President Buhari entered his car at 11:04 and his convoy drove straight to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport en route Daura, Katsina state.

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and wife, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Osoba Governor Yahaya Bello were among the dignitaries at the ceremony.

No fewer than 20 presidents and representatives of Presidents of countries around the world, including Africa witnessed Monday’s inauguration of President Tinubu. The Indian delegation was led by the Defence Minister, Mr Rajnath Singh, as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister.

Similarly, a delegation from the Canadian Government was represented by the Minister of Housing, Diversity and Inclusion, Mr. Ahmed Hussen.

United Kingdom’s delegation comprising the Special Envoy of King Charles led by the Minister of State for Development and Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Andrew Mitchell; the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Special Envoy on Girls’ Education, Helen Grant, and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery.

The nine-man delegation from the United States as led by Marcia L. Fudge, US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development also witnessed the change of baton.

Other members of the delegation include David Greene, chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Abuja; Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Democratic Representative from California; Marisa Lago, the US Department of Commerce’s Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade and Michael E. Langley, the commander of the United States Africa Command.

Others are Enoh T. Ebong, director of the United States Trade and Development Agency; Mary Catherine Phee, the US Department of State’s Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; Judd Devermont, national security council’s special assistant to the president and senior director for African issues; and Monde Muyangwa, the assistant administrator for Africa at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Chinese government delegation, led by a Communist Party leader and minister and the Turkish government delegation also attended.

African leaders at the ceremony include President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye; the Transitional President of Chad, Mahamat Déby; President of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum; and President Nana Akufo-Ado of Ghana.

Others are the Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan; President of the Republic of Congo Brazzaville, Denis Sassou Nguesso; President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló; while the Qatar delegation is led by Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani , President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leonean and Liberian President George Weah were present at the ceremony.

President Tinubu’s inauguration marks the 7th consecutive democratic transition of power in the 24 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, following the return to civilian administration in 1999.