The Federal Government is to build a new N2.2bn banquet hall in the the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
An approval for the hall, according to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Muhammed, was granted by the Federal Executive Council during
its meeting on Wednesday.
Wikipedia dictionary defines a banquet hall as a room or building for the purpose of hosting a party, reception, or other social events.
There is an existing hall in the Villa where national events are held.
The proposed 150- capacity hall will have walk ways, security post, hall conveniences, technical room and press briefing room.
Defending the approval, Muhammed, told State House correspondents that the council did so because smaller countries had befitting banquet halls in their seats of power.
Muhammed said the contract for the construction was awarded to Julius Berger, a company that is already in charge of services in the Presidential Villa.
He said, “The second project approved by council is the building of a 150-seater Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa.
“We noticed that it(existing hall) is inconveniencing; it is not in tandem
with what is outside the country. Even smaller countries have better Banquet Halls near their Presidential residences. Of course, part of the things we are going to provide there is a 150-seater (hall) with all the facilities that will cover the walk ways, security, hall conveniences, technical room and press briefing room that are more and more enhanced so that national broadcast can be done from there.
“The contract was awarded in the sum of N2.2billion to Julius Berger because they are more familiar with the terrain in the Presidential Villa and for security reasons.”
But the approval of the contract for the hall was flayed by the Executive President, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, Mr. Debo Adediran, as “irresponsible and wicked.” Continue reading “FG okays N2.2bn party, events hall for Aso Villa”
National Publicity Secretary, Action Congress of Nigeria, Alhaji Lai Mohammed
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed
