By Abdullahi M. Gulloma
Abuja
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday performed the ground-breaking ceremony of the Abuja Centenary City Project expected to gulp N2.4 trillion.
Speaking at the ceremony which took place in Abuja, the president said what started as a dream was now moving to reality.
He said the city, which would be built for security and free trade zone, promises unique and global status.
“It will be a city of elegance, unity and hope. We want Nigerians to appreciate our journey of 100 years,” he said.
He said the city would provide opportunity for Nigerians to share the progress and aspirations of the country, and mark the coming of age of the participation of the private sector in the development of the economy.
In his speech, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, said the centenary city is one of the legacies President Jonathan promised during the flag-off of the country’s centenary celebrations.
He said the city was not “a housing estate, but an economic project,” adding that Eagle Hills property had the sole responsibility to fund the project at no cost to government.
Also speaking, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, said the FCTA would be working hand in hand to ensure high quality infrastructure in the area, and maintain five percent equity share in the project.
Executive Director of Eagle Hills Properties, Mohammed Al Abba, in a remark, said the latest technology and innovations would be deployed in the project, adding that education and healthcare would be the cornerstone and development.
He said 50 per cent of the city would be green and there would be technology parks and hubs, African tower which would be a master piece, amusement park, golf course and shopping malls which would be a blend of traditional malls with e-commerce, amongst other things.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Centenary City Plc, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), said the city is being planned to rank among the biggest cities in the world, stressing that the model unveiled was in line with that vision.
