Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima have been sworn in as the president and vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the heavily attended ceremony in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu become the 16 Nigerian to occupy the nation’s highest political office since its independence in 1960.

He is also Nigeria’s seventh civilian to do so.

He succeeds two-term President Muhammadu Buhari amid rising inflation, record debt levels, and a host of other challenges.

Tinubu took the oath of office at exactly 10:35am with the Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Olukayode Ariwodola in charge.

As of 7:45 a.m., entry into the event’s vicinity was tightly guarded as stern-looking security personnel would not admit anyone, regardless of social class, who does not have an official invitation to the ceremony.

Prior to his inauguration, Integrity News reported that President Bola Tinubu renewed his commitment to fulfill his campaign promises barely some hours to his inauguration as the new leader of the most populous black nation on earth.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the presidential transition committee (PTC) at the Aso Rock Villa on Sunday night, Mr. Tinubu emphasized the importance of combating corruption and poverty, among other concerns facing the country.

The former governor of Lagos stressed that he will not hesitate to seek advice from outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari on how to manage the country where and how necessary.

“We must fight corruption, poverty, inconsistencies in policies and many other problems confronting us, but don’t pity me, I asked for the job,” he said.

“I campaigned for it, no excuses, I will live up to the bill to deliver. I promise you.

“Resilience, determination, courage, love in diversity, though our tongues and tribes differ. By tomorrow afternoon, my predecessor is heading to Daura, on the border with Niger, but I have told him not to worry, he will still get a knock on his door.

“No matter how short a man is, he will see the sky. I will still be able to find him when I need his help.

Here is a country that has stumbled a number of times, but has never faltered. We can be squeaky like an old mama’s car, but we will never break apart. We are just a unique country.”

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Bola Tinubu, the candidate of Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.

Mr Tinubu defeated 17 other candidates having polled a total of 8,794,726 votes, the highest of all the contestants.

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, who announced the final results said Atiku Abubakar of the PDP came second and Peter Obi of the Labour Party came third in the election.