The N21 billion Presidential/VIP Wing of the State House
Medical Centre, which was conceptualized by the previous administration eleven
years ago, was officially unveiled by the President on Friday.
Accompanied by the First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, members of
the first family, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Chief of Staff Prof Ibrahim
Gambari, and the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, the
President toured the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (CathLab), Operating
Rooms for regular and specialized procedures, Intensive Care Unit, Specialized
Infectious Disease Isolation Suites, and Specialized consultation rooms.
He expressed satisfaction with the fully-equipped and
operational medical facilities at the Centre, noting that in the past eight
years, holistic health care has been given a priority.
During his tour of the facility, o9Buhari interacted with
the local medical staff who received specialized training on handling the
advanced equipment available at the facility.
The First Lady also expressed her gratitude for the
completion of the project, which she had advocated for six years ago when the
President had to seek medical care abroad.
She emphasized that the VIP Wing would provide medical
services for the First Family and leaders, reducing the need for overseas
treatment and allowing international experts to complement the local medical
staff.
The State House Permanent Secretary explained that the VIP
facility is intended to be a one-stop shop for the provision of medical
services to the President, Vice President and their families as well as other
VIPs.
‘‘The establishment of the facility reflects Mr President’s
commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of Nigerians,’’ Umar said.
He recounted that the concept of establishing a medical
facility within the seat of government was conceived in 2012.
According to him, this initial idea resulted in the creation
of a project brief in 2013, outlining the objectives, scope, and specifications
for the facility’s construction.
However, it wasn’t until 2020 that President Buhari gave his
approval for a comprehensive geotechnical survey and assessment of seven
potential sites, he said.
‘‘Mr. President selected this site for the project after he
had gone round to personally inspect the proposed sites. This led to the
development of a concept design, taking into consideration the specific
requirements of its intended end – user.
‘‘The contract for the construction of the facility which
occupies a floor area of 2,485 square metres across one suspended floor and a
basement, was awarded to Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria, Plc as a turnkey project
after a rigorous evaluation process and the site handed over to them in August,
2021.
‘‘However, it was on 1st November, 2021 that actual
construction started after a ground – breaking event led by the Chief of Staff
to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari and the project was completed on
schedule and on budget in December, 2022.
‘‘All this was achieved due to the singular resolve and
resilience of His Excellency Mr. President to address the long – identified
need for such a facility and to bequeath a worthy legacy in this regard.
‘‘Today, to the Glory of God and country, this dream has
been achieved and standing in all its splendor, before our very eyes is this
technology – supported Presidential Wing of the State House Medical Centre,’’
he said.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the relentless efforts
of President Buhari and expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her unwavering
support and advocacy for the project.
He also recognized the contributions of the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, and the Minister
of Finance, Budget, and National Planning.
Furthermore, he commended the project team and the
management staff of the State House and State House Medical Centre for their
dedication and efficiency.
The contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was praised for
their commitment, competence, consistency, and exemplary workmanship, which
played a significant role in the successful and timely completion of the
project without exceeding the allocated budget.
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