By Monday Ijeh
Abuja – Mr Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, has formally handed over the Presidential Lodge, Marina to the Lagos State Government.
Fashola, at the handover ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja said the release of the property to the state was in fulfilment of the promise made by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said that the journey to handover had taken over two decades in spite of the request by the Lagos State Government.
The minister said that the state government had taken possession of the property under the present Federal Government administration.
“We are here to formally sign and exchange documents that will make the state government rights to the property unimpeachable.
“I congratulate the government and people of Lagos State on this asset and hope that it will have many beneficial purposes to the state,” he said.
He said that the release of the property was in line with president’s promise to respond to things that were left undone by previous administrations.
The minister said that work had commenced on Bodo-Bonny Bridge in Rivers.
According to him, the project will bring hope and expectations to the people of Bonny because it has waited for over 30 years.
“Hydraulic work have started on the project, while Mambila Hydro project that the people of Taraba and Nigeria have waited for over 40 years have now been concluded.
“Contract has been signed, the last leg now is to raise the financing and start the development,” he added.
Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State commended the Federal Government for releasing the property, adding that it would bring positive change to the state.
“We believe strongly that this singular gesture is part of what will improve the economy of Lagos.
“Our intention is to turn that particular asset into a national monument where we can christen a national heritage centre for leadership.
“The idea is to use it as a tourist centre to attract Nigerians and foreigners and by extension, improve the economy of Lagos State,” he said. (NAN)