September 24, (THEWILL) – Vice President of the Federal Republic, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed that at least N8.9trn has been expended on infrastructural development in Nigeria within the six years of Buhari’s administration.
Osinbajo made the disclosure in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital on Friday while inaugurating the 21 storey Smart Building constructed by Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration in the state.
The Vice President stated that the building commissioned by Akwa Ibom state government was complimentary to federal government plan on infrastructure and economic development.
Osinbanjo disclosed that the federal government has invested so much on infrastructure more than past administration in the past six years.
“I acknowledge the achievements of Governor Udom Emmanuel in industrialization and infrastructure in the completion agenda of his administration .”
” The federal government on its own part has spent N8.9 trn in the past six years on infrastructure alone. What governor Udom Emmanuel is doing in Akwa Ibom state is complimenting the federal government’s effort on both infrastructure and economic development”
He declared Akwa Ibom state as the best in terms of infrastructure and economic development in both the South -South and South East regions of the country.
“I recall when governor Udom Emmanuel confided in me that he would build the tallest building in the south South and South East regions”
“The building will address the problem of accommodation complained by International Oil companies . And without wasting time they should relocate their administrative headquarters to uyo” he said
He said the building christened as “Dakkada Tower” would serve as a catalyst for the private sector to exploit various business opportunities in the state as it would also compliment government effort in improving the living standard of the people.
In his speech, Governor Emmanuel expressed excitement over completion of the project saying he was fulfilled on the project completion.
“I am more excited than before for several reasons especially doubting attitude of gainsayers who thought that this project would not be completed ”
“The excuse by International Oil Companies ( IOC’s ) that there are no office accommodations in Akwa Ibom for them to relocate has come to an end today by the commissioning of this building”
He appreciated the contractor VKS- Turkish firm for cooperation in procurement of materials and technology transfer which helped in the speedy completion of the project.
In his welcome remark, the state commissioner for Special Duties Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh said the building, the best ICT compliant in the country was borne out of the directive of the FG for International Oil Companies to relocate their headquarters to their araes of operation.
According to Ette which project falls directly under his office, the smart building is sitted on a 48,000 sqm of land, 400 capacity car park and is defined by an increased level of automation and integration, advanced electronic and information technologies, interrelated structure system. Service and management, energy efficient building and enhanced connectivity through Wired and Wireless network and Advanced Sensor Systems
“We are spearheading innovations in industry and tourism that will not only generate employment and improve the economy of the state but also attract visitors to the state.
“Akwa Ibom is in safe hands and is run by a Governor who is an expert in financial and project management”. He commended.
