5th January, 2012
The Kaduna State House of Assembly complex is undergoing a comprehensive facelift, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
A NAN correspondent reports that the administration of Governor Patrick Yakowa and Speaker Mu’azu Gangara embarked on the renovation to give the complex a befitting look.
Malam Abdullahi Shu’aibu, the Public Relations Officer of the House, told NAN that “serious renovation works have begun with the repair and replacement of a fortified wall fence and landscaping of the surrounding.
“The management is executing this job in conjunction with the state Ministry of Works, which had earlier examined thesituation and advised appropriately.’’
The spokesman explained that the renovation and upgrading of facilities would cover the legislative chamber and offices, rehabilitaion of the road network, installation of a digital press and solar panels as well as provision of clinic equipment and vehicles.
Water supply would also be boosted, he said, adding that staff welfare would be improved while training would be organised regularly for the staff to enhance their skills and productivity.
Shu’aibu declined to disclose the cost of the facelift, but gave assurance that the management would brief newsmen on the development soon.
He noted that the complex appeared “beautiful from outside but very deplorable inside.â€
The complex, popularly known as Lugard Hall, was inaugurated on May 19, 1959,by the late Premier of the defunct Northern Region and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
The complex had experienced structural defects and dilapidation due to lack of serious rehabilitation work by successive administrations.
The complex houses the state legislature, the Northern Council of Chiefs’ chambers, administrative offices, conference halls and committee rooms, among others.