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| Governor Ayade (Left), General Buratai (Middle) and Deputy Gov Ivara (Right) |
Cross River State Government, in conjunction with Post service Housing Development limited (PHD), Thursday, performed a groundbreaking ceremony of the Nigerian Army housing scheme in Calabar, in the bid to address the housing needs of retired military personnel. In the same vein, the partnership anchored by New Cities Development Board will also help address the challenges of housing deficit in the state.
Governor Ben Ayade, performing the groundbreaking, at the occasion, enjoined the company to ensure the design reflects the green and ecofriendly status which Calabar is known for.
“The focus of the design should be on nature as you have a very rich, organic and pristine soil. We have a wonderful climate, and no matter how sunny, it is never very hot. You couldn’t have made a choice of a better location than Cross River and we are happy that we are partnering with the Nigerian Army.”
Continuing, the governor stressed the need for the design of the mega city to remain green and ecofriendly in line with international standards where 10 trees are recommended for a single building.
Reasoning that the choice of Cross River for such an investment was timely, suitable, adequate and consistent with economic principles, Ayade advocated for the integration of the host community, Adiabo in the execution of the project.
His words: “When you go for groundbreaking ceremony in certain parts of this country, because issues of compensation and land acquisition become a tortuous process, it is almost impossible to get it done within a short time and notice.”
Governor Ayade further said “the peace and tranquility enjoyed here is a classical testimony to the fact that our people are peace loving, intelligent and therefore we must show respect and cater for the people of Adiabo who are our immediate hosts with particular reference to the Obong of Calabar. Ensure that your landlords remain happy that you are here.”
Expressing confidence in the doggedness and astuteness of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai, to embark on such a project, the governor remarked: “I do know that you have conquered Boko Haram and because God has made you a conqueror, I know you will also conquer this project.”
Ayade appealed to Buratai to ensure that the Cross River garment factory take the responsibility of providing Army uniforms, considering its state of the art equipment and the need to boost local content.
Earlier, Chief of Army Staff Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai who had paid a courtesy call on the governor, assured that he “will continue to lend support to the post service housing development in its drive to provide shelter to both serving and retired military personnel as well as the civil populace to mitigate the housing deficit in the country.”
Expressing confidence in the company’s ability to replicate efficiency which they have been known to execute projects of this magnitude, the Chief of Army Staff enjoined the public to key into the initiative of the Cross River government.
To Cross Riverians, Buratai affirmed that “the establishment of a mega estate will be an added boost to the prevailing climate of peace and security which we consider critical for the entrepreneurial and economic resurgence of the state.”
He further reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to continue to sustain the improvement on the security situation, social and economic activities in the state, adding that “as a major commercial industrial centre in Nigeria, the overall economic prosperity of our nation is substantially tied to what happens in Cross River State.”
Buratai, who commended Governor Ayade for the return of peace in the state, called on the citizenry to rise to the challenges of collective action for national security by being alert and providing timely information to security agencies for quick response to threats to law and order. River Governor Ben Ayade, Chief Of Army Staff, Buratai Flags Off multi – billion 130 Hectares Post Service Housing Development Tagged “Ayade Mega City” at Tinapa Road Calabar.
