By Aliyu Dangida
The Jigawa State Government has officially handed over site for the construction of a new palace for the Emir Dutse, Alhaji (Dr)Hamim Muhammad Nuhu Sanusi.
The ceremony took place at the new palace site located in Bokoto Quarters, opposite Dutse Central Mosque, and was presided over by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Bala Ibrahim.
While handing over the site, the SSG said the project underscores the present administration’s commitment to strengthening ties with traditional institutions across the state, which he described as critical partners in governance and community development.
“The construction of phase I of the new palace was approved by the State Executive Council at a cost of over two point six billion naira, with a completion period of eighteen months.”the SSG said.
Malam Bala Ibrahim noted that the site for the new palace was originally allocated by the then administration of His Excellency Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu. However, it is under Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi’s leadership that the contract was awarded, reflecting a deep respect for traditional institutions.
He urged the contractor, NEWPRO QUANTS CONSULTANCY NIGERIA LIMITED, to adhere to specifications and ensure timely completion of the project.
Responding, the representative of NEWPRO QUANTS CONSULTANCY NIGERIA LIMITED, Alhaji Buhari Abdulkadir Kawu, assured the SSG that his firm would uphold professional standards to ensure the palace meets both cultural significance and modern architectural needs upon completion.
Architecture Aliyu Kaila, from Integral Consultancy Company and the project consultant, also urged strict adherence to the contract specifications for the swift completion of the project.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Administration and Finance SSG’s office, Alhaji Abdullahi Sa’idu, described the official handover as a significant milestone toward the project’s commencement, viewing it as a giant stride of Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi’s administration in fostering an enabling environment for traditional institutions.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Due Process and Project Monitoring Bureau, Professor Kasim Muhammad, urged the contractor to ensure timely completion of the project.
Represented by Dr. Usman Musa, the DG reiterated the government’s commitment to quality and value for money, warning that substandard execution would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He urged the contractor to uphold professionalism and deliver projects that meet the highest standards, in line with the present administration’s infrastructure development agenda.
In his remarks, the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Dr. Hamim Muhammad Nuhu Sanusi, expressed gratitude to the government for this timely and significant initiative.
Represented by the Magatakarda of Dutse, Alhaji Ahmadu Malami, the Emir commended Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi for promoting a conducive environment for traditional institutions to operate effectively and assured the government of the continued support and cooperation of traditional rulers in advancing peace, unity, and development across the state.
The event was attended by key government officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Directorate of Special Services and Council Affairs, Alhaji Abba Mustapha Yola; Permanent Secretary of the Directorate of Research Evaluation and Political Affairs, Alhaji Nasiru Haruna; Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Baffale Abbas; and Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Babandi Habu, among others.
As part of the ceremony, a formal handover note was signed between the contractor and the state government, represented by the Permanent Secretary of Administration and Finance, Alhaji Abdullahi Sa’idu.
Ismaila Ibrahim Dutse
Public Relations Officer
Office of the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State
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