The Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari has said that apart from the use of the President, the Vice President and their families, the over N21 billion proposed Presidential (VIP) Wing of the State House Clinic will also take care of visiting Heads of State if the need arises, Nigerian Tribune can report.
He made the clarification while speaking Monday at the groundbreaking ceremony of the facility at the presidential villa, Abuja.
Gambari said: “This is an essential facility because we have to have the best facility for the President, the first family, and other very distinguished senior officials of government.
“It is also a facility that, when finished, will be at the disposal of visiting dignitaries who may require medical assistance during their visit.”
A statement issued by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Deputy Director (Information further quoted him as saying that “nobody will remember much what we say but generations to come will remember what is done, which is to begin the process of constructing what will be first-class, state of the art facility which will be best and appropriate for the leadership of this country.”
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina also lauded the idea behind the project. He noted that for years and decades to come, the facility would serve sitting and visiting Presidents as well as other dignitaries. He appreciated everyone who turned up to be part of the historic event.
Permanent Secretary State House, Tijjani Umar, stressed the importance of the foundation laying event as it was done in keeping with the timelines approved for the construction of the clinic. It is expected that the construction and commissioning would be done by December 2022.
Also present at the occasion were the Chief Medical Director, State House Clinic, Dr Munir Hussaini Yakasai, and other members of the State Housetop management as well as the construction team of Julius Berger, Nigeria.
