Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned Federal Secretariat Lafia, Nasarawa over the weekend.
The commissioned Secretariat complex which was built by Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has also been named after a renowned Jurist and Legal personality, respected Royal Father, a retired Honourable Justice of the Supreme Court and the current Emir of Lafai and Chairman of Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs. HRH. SIDI BAGE.
Welcoming Mr. President, the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola said that upon the Ministry’s recommendation, Mr. President approved the naming of the edifice after the retired Justice of the Supreme court, His Royal Highness, Sidi Bage.
According to the statement released by the Ministry, the Minister added that it was in commemoration and laudable contribution of his public service activities especially in the Judiciary.
According to Fashola the conference room of the complex also got the approval of Mr. President to be named after a very prominent Nasarawa State indigene in the person of late Mrs. Maimuna Katai for her hard work, courage, simplicity and honesty.
Speaking of the complex, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola said that it is sitting on a 6,702 square meters of land and that it could accommodate 2000 to 2,300 staff in the 402 offices. He added that it has car park with capacity to accommodate 300 cars and also other facilities.
According to the Minister, the socio- economic impact of the project includes the creation of small businesses around the facility such as – Food Vendors, POS Kiosks and increased value of landed properties in Bulka Sidi Environs among others.
Moreso, the Minister stressed that these Federal Secretariats are Federal Government symbols and images in the states.
They are indeed National Monuments that bring all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under one conducive working environment for improved productive and enhanced service delivery to the people of the state where they are sited.
While thanking Mr. President for entrusting the Ministry with the project, he said: ” We are proud to say that on this project, we have delivered.”
He acknowledged the contribution of National Assembly for appropriating funding for the project.
Also, he commended the State Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule as well as the past Governor of the State Tanko Al-Makura for providing the peaceful and safe environment for the contractor to deliver the project.
The President was accompanied to the commissioning ceremony by the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawal, Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Yaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr David Umahi.
Also, the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Honourable Minister of Environment representing Nasarawa State St the Federal Executive Council, Barrister Abdullahi Mohammed amongst others.