Nigeria’s VP says “Dakkada Tower” will address the problem of accommodation, demands concerned IOC’s to relocate administrative Hqrs to Uyo

The federal government under the leadership of President Mohammedu Buhari has spent N8.9trn in the last six years on the development of infrastructure.

This was disclosed by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo during the inauguration of the 21 storey smart building constructed by Governor Udom Emmanuel, as part of his one-day working visit to Akwa Ibom State, Thursday.

The VP stated that the building commissioned by the state government was complimentary to the federal government plan on infrastructure and economic development in the country.

Osinbanjo said the federal government has invested so much in infrastructure more than the previous administration in the past six years.

“I acknowledge the achievements of Governor Udom Emmanuel in industrialization and infrastructure in the completion agenda of his administration.

“The federal government on its own part has spent N8.9 trn in the past six years on infrastructure alone. what governor Udom Emmanuel is doing in Akwa Ibom state is complimenting the federal government effort on both infrastructure and economic development”.

He declared Akwa Ibom state as the best in terms of infrastructure and economic development in both the South-South and southeast regions.

“I recall when Governor Udom Emmanuel confided in me that he would build the tallest building in the south South and South East region.

“The building will address the problem of accommodation complained by international oil companies. And without wasting time they should relocate their administrative headquarters to Uyo” he said.

Christened, “Dakkada Tower”, he said the building would serve as a catalyst for the private sector to exploit various business opportunities in the state, as it would also complement government effort in improving the living standard of the people.

Governor Udom Emmanuel expressed excitement over the completion of the project, saying that he was fulfilled on the project completion.

“I am more excited than before for several reasons especially the doubting attitude of naysayers who thought that this project would not be completed.

“The excuse by International Oil Companies ( IOC’s ) that there is no office accommodation in Akwa Ibom for them to relocate has come to an end today by commissioning of this building”.

He appreciated the contractor VKS- Turkish firm for cooperation in the procurement of materials and technology transfer which helped in the speedy completion of the project.

Earlier, the state commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Okpolupm Etteh, said the building which is the best ICT compliant in the country was borne out of the directive of the FG for International Oil Companies to relocate their headquarters to their areas of operation.

The smart building according to Etteh is situated on a 48,000 sqm of land, 400 capacity car park and is defined by an increased level of automation and integration, advanced electronic and information technologies, interrelated structure, system, service and management, energy-efficient building, and enhanced connectivity through wired and wireless network and advanced sensor systems.

High-profile goodwill messages were presented by the former governors of Benue and Cross River States, Senator Gabriel Suswan and Mr. Donald Duke, Senator Akon Eyakenyi on behalf of National Assembly members, and the Turkey Ambassador to Nigeria.