Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the hand over of the Marina Presidential Lodge to the state.
The President’s gesture followed a request by Ambode to have the lodge released to the state in its bid to transform the Marina-Onikan axis into a world-class art and tourism hub.
The approval was communicated in a letter by Buhari’s Chief of Staff Abba Kyari.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, the governor thanked the President for his magnanimity.
The statement said with the approval, Ambode had unveiled plans to turn the lodge to The Heritage Centre for Leadership, which will be redesigned and equipped as a research and tourist arena.
“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I wish to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his kind hand over of the Presidential Lodge in Marina.
“This, in my opinion, demonstrates the President’s special interest in Lagos State, which is in line with the promise he made in Lagos during the election campaign that the interest of Lagosians will always be paramount in his heart.
“The Lagos State House in Marina, which is next door to the Presidential Lodge, is also being prepared for a transformation to The Lagos History Centre, as a mark of honour to, and celebration of all former governors, as well as for the benefit of humankind.
“These two buildings will be nurtured as world-class monuments by the Lagos State government to complement the larger plan that aims to transform the Marina-Onikan axis into a multi-sectorial culture zone.
“The plan for the Marina-Onikan culture zone includes a skywalk to connect Marina to Freedom Park on Broad Street.
“The axis would also accommodate a Tourist Welcome Centre, comprising a multi-layer car park, mall, Lagos Aquarium Centre and other tourist facilities.”
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