Abuja, May 29 (IANS): Muhammadu Buhari took oath of office as president of Nigeria on Friday, promising to carry out his duties faithfully in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of Africa's most populous nation.

The oath of office taken by Buhari, was administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Mahmoud Mohammed, and was witnessed by a mammoth crowd, including international friends of Nigeria and citizens of the West African country who converged at the Eagles Square, venue of the inauguration ceremony in the central area of the Nigerian capital Abuja, Xinhua news agency reported.

Dozens of presidents and heads of state across the world were present or represented at the august occasion by a powerful delegation. Leaders of China and US respectively sent powerful delegations led by Agriculture Minister Han Changfu and Secretary of State John Kerry, respectively.

African Union chairman cum President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe led other African leaders to the inauguration of Buhari, winner of Nigeria's presidential election held on March 28.

Buhari polled 15,424,921 votes against incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan's 12,853,162, to emerge winner of the national election.