By Ngozi Onyeakusi — President Muhammadu Buhari has concluded plans for the swearing in the 43 Ministers-designate on Wednesday at the Federal Executive Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to a statement on Tuesday by Babatunde Lawal, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the swearing of the Ministers-designate would be preceded by a two-day induction retreat for the Ministers-designate on the 19th and 20th August, 2019.

Lawal noted that President Muhammadu Buhari would preside over the induction retreat which is scheduled for 9.00am at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said,” The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, invites all ministers-designate, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Federal Permanent Secretaries and top government functionaries (specifically invited) to a 2-day induction retreat to be presided over by His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the retreat earlier publicized has been rescheduled as follows: Date: Monday, 19th – Tuesday, 20th August, 2019, Time: 9:00am daily, Venue: State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.”

The Permanent Secretary observed that the objectives of the retreat included: to build a strong platform for synergy and teamwork, to sensitize appointees on the status of the implementation of policies, programmes and projects of government from 2015-date, acquaint the appointees with the roadmap for delivery of government’s priorities and Next Level Agenda (2019-2023) as well as to deepen the understanding of participants on best practices in conducting government business.

He further said,” The swearing-in of all Ministers-designate by the President shall hold as follows: Date: Wednesday, 21st August, 2019, Time: 11:00am, Venue: Federal Executive Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“Attendance at both events is mandatory and strictly by invitation.”