ABUJA — PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday signed a N2.6 billion contract with Gitto Controzioni Generali Nig. Ltd, for the completion of the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja. The contractors were mobilised to the tune of N780 million on the spot.
The president said on the occasion that a sum of N1.9 billion is outstanding as unredeemed pledges from the last fund raising chaired by him. According to the President, who is the Patron, Committee of Friends that organized the last Fund Raising Ceremony, the amount presented the contractor represent 30% of the entire contract, billed for commissioning on October 1st next year.
He then warned that any one yet to fulfill his pledge is joking with God, and courting his wrath. He also promised to personally write all those who made pledges and would insist they honour their promises.
He said that any abandoned project is not that of God, but that of the devil, saying that the centre yet uncompleted after 15 years, has been an embarrassment to Christians.
“God does not abandon projects,” Obasanjo told the crowd. “Any abandoned project belongs to Satan,” insisting that, “we shall complete this project on schedule in Jesus name.”
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Peter Akinola, in his remarks, advised Christians to forget about the history of the centre, shun rumours and focus on completing the project.
“Don’t allow the problems of the past to weigh us down,” he preached, “lets lay everything at the feet of Jesus.”
Chief Executive Officer of Gitto Controzioni Nig. Ltd, Engr. Dominico Jito, assured his clients that the contract would be completed in September, explaining that he will put in his best so as to showcase what his company can accomplish, being less than two years in the country.
The man who designed the centre in 1987, Architect Apagun Olumide spoke earlier, saying every part of the design was done by Nigerians, calling it the ultimate design any architect can aspire to do.
“There cannot be this kind of design in Nigeria again,” he affirmed.
He said that President Obasanjo is right to designate the place as a national monument and tourism destination when completed. Before the close of the ceremony, N10.5 million was realized from redeemed pledges, with Chartered Bank donating N5 million.
