All is now set for the Lagos State Government to formally receive the Presidential Lodge located in Marina from the Federal Government, months after processing and preparation.
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode had said the entire Onikan axis of Lagos Island would be turned into a major tourism hub in Africa, even as he revealed plans to transform the Lagos Presidential Lodge to ‘Eko Park’.
Consequently, he said that the state government has sealed a major partnership with world’s second largest private foundation, Ford Foundation on the total regeneration of Lagos Island as part of the plans to boost the state’s tourism potential.
Speaking recently with journalists after a strategic meeting held at Lagos House in Ikeja with an high-powered delegation from Ford Foundation led by its President, Mr Darren Walker, the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said the State Government was putting finishing touches to the plan to construct a new Museum in Onikan, while the new Lagos History Centre coming on board in the axis and the Presidential Lodge would be transformed to what would be known as Eko Park.
According to Governor Ambode, the state government was delighted to partner with the Foundation on issues of mutual interest, saying that the initiative would go a long way in activating the tourism potentials of the State.
Governor Ambode said: “We just received the President of Ford Foundation, Mr Darren Walker and his team and we are excited that they are willing to partner with us. We have always spoken about the regeneration of the Lagos Island axis. You are also aware that Lagos is planning to build a new Museum in Onikan and also to be able to use the Lagos History Centre and the Presidential Lodge where we want to turn into what we call Eko Park.
“Ford Foundation is the second largest private foundation that we have in the world. They are very credible and we believe strongly that they are lover of arts and having the foundation partner with us in the regeneration of the Lagos Island axis which we want to use to promote arts and tourism, is something that is very good for Lagos and I am excited to receive them.”
Meanwhile, as at the time of filling this report, members of the state Executive Council led by the state’s Secretary to the Government, Mr Tunji Bello are set to sign the taking over deal at Marina.
