From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
Niger State Government has signed contract for the conversion of Shiroro Hotel to IBBUL Teaching Hospital (IBBUTH) and the redevelopment of the three-arms zone at the coast of N18.9 billion, and N11.6 billion respectively.
Speaking during the signing of the contract agreements, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said his administration is making frantic efforts to ensure that the state is transformed for better.
He stated that IBBUTH project has two different companies to handle it, the three-arms zone project has five companies to execute the project, adding that when completed will create employment, solve health problems, reduce medical tourism, and increase transfer of skills as well as knowledge.
According to the Governor, “As a government, we have muscled N500 billion from the capital market, so we can boost say, all the projects we have earmarked will be completed timely”.
The Governor further stated that soon the old secretariat and Judiciary complex will be converted to the School of Midwifery and Health Technology, while the Judiciary Complex will be relocated to the three-arms zone which he said will provide housing and accommodation for the Executive, legislative and Judiciary among other things.
He emphasized that 100,000 plots of land will be created from Pago to the three-arms zone and will be sold at the rate of N1 million each and the monies realized will be used to finance other projects.
While assuring the contractors that they would be paid 25% of their contract money immediately after certification, he however warned that there would be no room for variation, just as the IBBUTH will be completed in 12 months and the three-arms zone in 18 months.
Permanent Secretary of, the Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health, Dr Mohammed Gana said that a teaching hospital in the state was long overdue and applauded the Governor for the giant stride.
Also, the Managing Director Think Lab Development Company, Dr. Said Kori and that of the Thames and Hudson, Arch. Baba Aliyu in an interview assured of standard projects and timely completion.