President Bola Tinubu embarks on his first day in office as the President of Nigeria, officially assuming his role. With his inaugural ceremony held on Monday, May 29, 2023, he made his initial appearance at the office on Tuesday at 13:31 GMT, marking the beginning of his tenure as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Tuesday afternoon, the President’s convoy entered the Presidential Villa to begin his first day in office, where he was warmly welcomed at the forecourt of his office by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who had already begun his day’s work.
Notable figures present to receive the President for his first day in office included Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Tijjani Umar, the Permanent Secretary of the State House, among others.
Without delay, the President engaged in a private meeting with Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Vice President Shettima’s First Day in Office
Simultaneously, marking his first day in office, Vice President Kashim Shettima assured Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu’s capable leadership for the nation. Shettima took the oath of office as Vice President on Monday during President Tinubu’s inauguration, following their successful contest and victory in the Nigerian election on February 28, 2023.
In a conversation with reporters shortly after starting his first day in office at the Vice President’s Wing of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima shared his vision for Nigeria and expressed his confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to lead the nation.
He stated, “I believe this generation has a rendezvous with destiny and my principal, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is poised to redefine the meaning and concept of modern governance.
Shettima further assured Nigerians that President Tinubu would provide the necessary leadership, while he pledged his unwavering support and loyalty to help realize the Nigerian dream. He emphasized the goal of building a Nigeria that would instill pride in every black person worldwide. The Vice President expressed his confidence that the Tinubu administration would work towards uplifting Nigeria and positioning the country on a higher pedestal, from his first day in office.
“I want to assure Nigerians that he is going to provide the lead. He is going to provide the leadership and we will rally around him, give him our unequivocal support and loyalty to see to the realization of the Nigerian dream—a Nigeria where every black man in the world should be proud of.”
On his momentous first day in office, Vice President Shettima humbly recognized the magnitude of his role and underscored the significance of enhancing the well-being of ordinary citizens. With unwavering assurance, he emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s resolute will, exceptional skills, temperament, mindset, and unwavering commitment would elevate the nation through dedicated and selfless service.
Addressing the issue of oil subsidies, Vice President Shettima highlighted the unsustainability of spending approximately $10 billion on subsidies in 2022, primarily benefiting a wealthy few. He stressed that either the subsidy must be abolished or it would lead to the downfall of the Nigerian nation.
On his first day in office, Shettima conveyed an assurance to the Nigerian people that President Tinubu’s noble intentions for the nation would gradually become apparent. The administration’s commitment to addressing critical issues such as the fuel subsidy and the complexities of multiple exchange rates was emphasised. The aim was to tackle these challenges head-on and streamline them into a unified exchange rate system. Shettima further pledged that the government’s comprehensive agenda would be gradually unveiled, ensuring transparency and clarity in its implementation.
The Vice President highlighted the harmonious working relationship he anticipated with President Tinubu, emphasizing their longstanding friendship and close interaction. He emphasised the importance of loyalty to the President, stating that their collaboration would serve the greater good of the nation.
Additionally, one of the Vice President’s actions on his first day in office was to extend his condolences to the management and staff of DAAR Communications following the passing of their founder, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi. Describing the late Dokpesi as a close friend, he offered prayers for the repose of his soul. Dr. Dokpesi passed away on Monday at the age of 71.