Sesan Olufowobi

The Lagos State Government on Thursday took ownership of the State House, also called Presidential Lodge, Marina, from the Federal Government with a promise to preserve its architectural beauty and structural integrity.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, who led the state government officials to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, which formally transferred the property to the state government, added that the structure would soon be transformed into a tourist destination.

He said, “The administration of Akinwunmi Ambode will ensure that it becomes a structure which residents of Lagos and Nigerians in general would not only be proud of, but which compares to similar ones in distant locations.

“The successful handover of the structure represents one of the landmarks of the city of Lagos and an eloquent testimony to the new dawn of politics of tolerance and inclusiveness which the All Progressives Congress has brought to the Nigerian landscape,” he added.

The SSG expressed Ambode and Lagosians’ appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the approval of the release of the edifice, while also lauding Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for ensuring that the handover process was smooth.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Abuja, Mr. Jalal Arabi, said the hand over was solemn one because of the emotional attachment that most of the workers had towards the complex.

Others on the Lagos State team are the Commissioners for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Seye Oladejo;  Housing, Gbolahan Lawal; Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lola Akande; and the Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture, Adebimpe Akinsola, among others.

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