The FCT Minister Senator Mohammed Adamu Aliero has determined to take the path of development for the actualization of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s seven (7) Point Agenda.

Senator Adamu Aliero disclosed this Thursday 13 August, 2009 at the public unveiling and exhibition of the wining entry for the International Architectural Design Competition of the new Abuja City Gate at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

Performing the unveiling ceremony, the minister ably represented by the senior Special Assistant Chief Ndubisi Osuji said the rate  of expansion and geometrical infrastructural development of the FCT has made it mandatory for the relocation  of Abuja city gate to a most suitable and comfortable site.

Senator Aliero reiterated his administration’s readiness to provide more plots of land if such need arises despite the 40 hectares of land provided earlier on for the project.

He said that, the idea behind the construction of New Abuja City Gate is not only for beautification but can also go along way in creating an International recognition in terms of tourism and recreation.

In consideration of the global economic meltdown that is rocking the world, the minister suggested for a private public partnership (PPP) so as to hasten the new Abuja gate project.

He therefore thanked the members of the jury for setting aside their personal ego and took the path of truth. He expresses satisfaction in the quality of the entry by the Turaya Associates who won the competition and urged them to implore all the expertise and go for quality in the project.

While receiving the comprehensive report by the Executive Secretary FCDA, ENGR Mohammed Sani Alhassan, represented by the director Public Building Kabiru Ado Hussaini, he thanked the jury for their wonderful work and brainstorming on the two entries submitted. He said the members of the jury have not only considered factors like uniqueness, creativity and sustainability in their scores and selection but also the aesthetics, heritage, utility degree of maintainability and construction ability that is the quality of material, to be use among others.

The new Abuja city Gate which is expected to be completed within the period of five years has two drop – offs areas on the South side coming from the Airport and on the north side connecting the parking lot.

Other features include a bridge, reception hall, formal plaza open air amphitheatre, commercial plaza, drop-off, parking, viewing terrace, photovoltaic veil, office, information, playing fields, children’s zoo and playing ground, botanical gardens, tunnel below express way, service road, cascading, water falls, and water fountain among others.

Jeremiah Alipius Shagnah