Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, has virtually commissioned seven laudable legacy projects under the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing across some states of the federation.
According to the statement released by the Ministry, these projects are : the Second Niger bridge linking Asaba and Onitsha in Delta and Anambra states, Ikom bridge in Cross River state and Loko-Oweto bridge linking Nasarawa and Benue states .
While other projects include : Kaduna- Kano road section dual carriageway and Federal Secretariat building complex in Anambra, Bayelsa and Zamfara states.
Babatunde Raji Fashola has been the Minister superintending over Works and Housing sector under the Administration of President Buhari since inception in 2015, as the Presidential commissioning was conducted virtually, simultaneously across the seven project locations in the respective states.
The President described the projects as symbols of his administration’s efforts and commitment to renew the Nigerian stock of Infrastructure, pointing out that it was a deliberate choice and not an accident.
Which today has greatly enhanced the Nigerian GDP from 20% to 40% there by delivering on the prosperity of citizenry.
He further explained that government’s debts were tied to Infrastructure, pointing out the assets and investments of the government is in place.
Accordingly, Buhari stated that the projects were an example of change promise of his administration as well as a practical effort to confront the multi-dimensional poverty instead of lamentation .
Earlier, the Minister, Babatunde Fashola stated that the projects these projects have massively impacted on Nigerians of various geo-political zones, saying that with these projects , President Buhari had met people at their door steps even when they never saw him in person.
Accordingly, Fashola explained that the economic activities that took place during the construction work had resulted in pushing back the multi- dimensional poverty from the society .
He listed the benefits to include; job creation for the people; reduced travel time with additional comfort during travels, business efficiency and value appreciation of properties.
Fashola commended the cooperation and support of all the stakeholders, such as Ministers, State Governors, National Assembly Members, Contractors, Traditional and Commuinity Leaders in the project locations for the success achieved in delivering the projects
Governors of Anambra and Imo states, Professor Charles Soludo and Hope Uzodima respectively, the Governor of Delta State represented by the Chief of Staff, Rt Hon.Festus Ovie Agas as well as the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr( Sen.) Chris Ngige, who all delivered goodwill messages.
They all expressed joy and commended President Buhari for delivering on the projects which they described as having huge economic impact on the Nation.
The three Federal Secretariats were named after some dignitaries such as, Dr. Good luck Ebele Johnathan for Baylelsa, Ebele Okeke for Awka and Mallam Yahaya Gusau for Zamfara Federal Secretariat complex in Gusau. It was a very colourful and eventful legacy project ceremony across the Nation.