The Federal Government has officially handed over ownership of the old Presidential lodge located in Marina, Lagos to the Lagos State Government.
The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who spoke at the signing of handling over document, on Monday, in Abuja said the presidential lodge will be beneficial to the state government.
Fashola noted that it will also be useful to the people and the country at large.
He described the gesture as fulfilment of the commitment and promise made by President Muhammad Buhari aimed at the completing various projects across the country.
Fashola said: “This is a long journey that has come to an end, the journey that has taken almost two decades when the Lagos state begin to ask for this property for reasons made difficult to understand but it did not happen, but the President of change, the promise keeper has made this happen.
“So whilst the Lagos State Government has already taken possession being handed over by the Presidency, we are here to formally sign and exchange documents that will make the state government have right to the property.
“I hereby congratulate the people and government of Lagos state and hope that it will be of utmost benefit to them.”
The Minister further gave assurances of the government towards completing ongoing projects across the country.
“This is consistent with Mr. President promise to respond to major projects that has been left undone such as the bodo-bonny bridge and mambilla hydro project which are almost completed,” he added.
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who expressed gratitude to the President and major stakeholders that took part in the process said the asset will be beneficial to the people of Lagos state.
He said it will be a national monument that will equally improve the economy of the state.
“We are delighted to be here based on the intention of Mr.President to bring positive change to Lagos state and we thank Mr. President and all stakeholders that has made this a success.
“We know that this is a sign of greater collaboration between the lagos state government and the federal government. We believe that this singular gesture will improve the economy of Lagos state because our intention is to turn that particular asset to a national monument where we can Christian it a national heritage center for leadership and also a tourist center to bring Nigerians and foreigners together whilst improving also the economy of Lagos state,” Ambode said.