FG hands over Marina presidential lodge to Lagos

By Moshood Adebayo

The colonial edifice, State House, Marina, Lagos was formally transferred to the Lagos State Government by the Federal Government, yesterday.

President Muhammadu Buhari had last year approved the handover following a request by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Handing over the House, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Abuja, Jalal Arabi, said history was being re-written with the transfer of the property.

His words: “Although the State House, Marina is being ceded to the Lagos State Government but we know it is still with us because it has gone to the right hand. For most of us that have been involved in keeping this place, we never wanted any distraction.”

He recalled how he was given marching order by President Buhari to start the process of transfer, saying it was done in the interest of one Nigeria.

“Every parents feel the pains of a daughter going to a suitor in a marriage. They would have felt that they made an investment on the daughter and held on to her but, the pleasant thing is that they will be more elated when they realise the husband is worthwhile.

“This is a clear analogy of how we felt when we heard that the State House will be ceded to Lagos. Yes, we feel it but, the State House is going to a new husband that we know  it capable.”

Arabi said the Federal Government handed over the Lodge to Lagos State Government in the spirit of oneness, unity, posterity and interest of Nigerians and Nigeria.

Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello, expressed delight at the ceremony.

He described the ceremony as an eloquent testimony to the new dawn of politics of tolerance and inclusiveness which the All Progressives Congress administration had brought to the Nigerian political landscape.

Ambode assured the Federal government that the House would be put into judicious use 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,” he said.

Several documents relating to the handover were signed by representatives of the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government.

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