Apparently following the persistent cries of inefficiency against the existing clinic at the Nigerian government state house in Abuja, the federal government on Monday laid the foundation for the construction of what it described as the presidential wing of the clinic.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s chief of staff, Ibrahim Gambari, performed the foundation laying ceremony at an event that was graced by dignitaries including government officials.
According to Mr Gambari, the facility, when completed, will not only cater for the families of the President, his vice and their families but also visiting heads of states who may be in need of medical care.
He said the clinic, which will be delivered by December 2022, will be a state-of-the-art facility.
A statement issued by the state house and signed by the deputy director in charge of information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, noted that the official also lauded the initiative.
The statement is reproduced below.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE HAVE A STATE OF THE ART MEDICAL FACILITY, SAYS PROFESSOR GAMBARI
The Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari has said that the proposed Presidential (VIP) Wing of the State House Clinic will, in addition to the President, the Vice President and their families, also take care of visiting Heads of State if the need arises.
Speaking Monday at the ground breaking ceremony of the facility at the State House precincts, Professor Gambari said: “This is an essential facility because we have to have the best facility for the President, the first family and other very distinguished senior officials of government.
“It is also a facility that, when finished, will be at the disposal of visiting dignitaries who may require medical assistance during their visit,” he added.
According to the Chief of staff, “nobody will remember much what we say but generations to come will remember what is done, which is to begin the process of constructing what will be first class, state of the art facility which will be best and appropriate for the leadership of this country.”
READ ALSO: Buhari approves construction of Presidential Wing for State House clinic
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina also lauded the idea behind the project. He noted that for years and decades to come, the facility would serve sitting and visiting Presidents as well as other dignitaries. He appreciated everyone who turned up to be part of the historic event.
Permanent Secretary State House, Tijjani Umar, stressed the importance of the foundation laying event as it was done in keeping with the timelines approved for the construction of the Clinic. It is expected that the construction and commissioning would be done by December, 2022.
Also present at the occasion were the Chief Medical Director, State House Clinic, Dr Munir Hussaini Yakasai, and other members of the State House top management as well as the construction team of Julius Berger, Nigeria.
Abiodun Oladunjoye
Deputy Director (Information)
November 1, 2021
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