By Ayoni M. Agbabiaka
National Council of Women Society (NCWS) FCT chapter, yesterday, signed a Deed of Assignment with Beraward Limited, a private developer, for the construction of secretariat building project for the Council.
During the signing ceremony presided over by the Secretary of FCT Legal Secretariat, Barrister Ima Okpongete, the President of FCT National Council of Women Society, Mrs. Nancy Bulus, said the plot of land which was allocated to the council 17 years ago by Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni has suffered a lot of setbacks
Bulus however, expressed satisfaction that despite the challenges faced in acquiring the land for the construction of the secretariat
project, the project has become a reality with the support of Abuja Investment Company and both ministers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
She said: “This land has been sustained by the grace of God on our side when the immediate past president of NCWS FCT chapter, Hajia Binta Ibrahim, stood strongly to ensure that this property is not revoked during her tenure of office.”
She commended the FCT Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, and Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, for their various support towards the realisation of the building project, adding that both ministers through the Social Development
Secretariat assisted the FCT NCWS to retrieve the Certificate of Occupancy and monthly grant subvention to the council.
She revealed that the project when completed would assist NCWS in the area of Women Empowerment to the less privileged in the FCT, adding that the approval granted for NCWS Mass Housing Scheme by the minister would also go a long way in putting smiles on the faces of FCT women.
In her response, the Legal Secretariat Secretary, Barrister Ima Okpongete, commended the present leadership of NCWS for what she described as “forthrightness and determination” to reposition the Council, noting that the steps taken for the development of its corporate secretariat has shown quality of true leadership.
Okpongete used the occasion to encourage members of NCSW to join politics ahead of 2015 general elections, saying that women in various political offices in the country had distinguished themselves.
Speaking on behalf of the developer, Mr. Raymond Ogunshakin, he assured that with the signing of Deed of Assignment, the company will commence work on the site as soon as possible, while commending the FCT Administration for fast tracking the process and providing the legal framework for the project.
