FG hands over Presidential Lodge, Marina, to Lagos govt

Sequel to earlier pronouncement by President Muhammadu Buhari, late last year, Lagos State, on Thursday, officially took possession of the Presidential Lodge, known as “State House Marina”.

The handover ceremony held on the complex premises on Thursday, and had in attendance the Secretary to Lagos State Government (SSG), Mr Tunji Bello, who represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, accompanied by the Commissioner for Housing, Prince Gbolahan Lawal. They were received by officials from the presidency.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Staff House, Jalal Arabi, said the handing over of the complex to the Lagos government was a demonstration of togetherness.

“Apart from being the directive from President Muhammadu Buhari, the gesture demonstrated the spirit of togetherness between the Federal Government and Lagos State.

“Our expectation is that Lagos should continue where we stopped, especially, as far as maintenance is concerned. And I’m very sure that Lagos will utilise the property for the benefit of Lagos residents and visitors alike,” Arabi said.

In his response, Bello said Lagos government would not disappoint in the use of the property.

“The successful handover of this structure which represents one of the landmarks of the city of Lagos is an eloquent testimony to the new dawn of politics of tolerance and inclusiveness which the All Progressive Congress (APC) has brought to the Nigerian politics.

“Let me assure you that the state will put the edifice to the best and most judicious use while ensuring its transformation without compromising its structural integrity and preserving its architectural finesse and beauty.

“We will ensure that the edifice becomes a tourist destination which residents of Lagos in particular and Nigerians in general would not only be proud of, but which compares to similar ones in distant locations,” Bello said.

It will be recalled that the president’s approval was communicated in a letter signed by his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari to Mr Ambode.

Ambode had, at that time consequently unveiled plans to turn the lodge to The Heritage Centre for Leadership, which he said, would be redesigned and equipped as a landmark research and tourist arena that would be open to local and international visitors.

The property which was built by the colonial masters before the independence in 1960, had housed many presidents and heads of states.