Senate President David Mark is to lead Federal Government's delegation to the consecration of Archbishop John Onaiyekan as a Cardinal of the Catholic Church.

The ceremony is to be performed by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican today.

A statement issued by the Senior Adviser to the President on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati, said other delegates would include the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe and Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah.

Others are the Minister of State for FCT, Mrs. Olajumoke Akinjide and the Chaplain of the Presidential Villa Chapel, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Archbishop Onaiyekan's elevation to the College of Cardinals was announced by the Vatican on October 24.

According to the statement, Jonathan has also asked members of the delegation to stop over in Hanover, Germany on their way back to visit Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba, who is being treated there following injuries he sustained in a recent plane crash.

The delegation, scheduled to leave Abuja today, is due back on Sunday.

NAN