After nearly three decades of waiting, the Dutse Emirate in Jigawa State is set to get a new modern palace following the foundation laying of a N2.6 billion project by the state government. The new palace, located along Ibrahim Aliyu Road in Dutse, is expected to become the main official……
After nearly three decades of waiting, the Dutse Emirate in Jigawa State is set to get a new modern palace following the foundation laying of a N2.6 billion project by the state government.
The new palace, located along Ibrahim Aliyu Road in Dutse, is expected to become the main official base of the Emir of Dutse and provide facilities for traditional, religious and ceremonial activities.
The project, which has an 18-month completion period, is being executed by Newpro Quants Consultants Limited, a Kano-based firm.
Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony, Governor Umar Namadi, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Ibrahim, said the project was part of his administration’s commitment to providing development projects across the state without discrimination.
He said the construction was informed by the need to enhance the status of Dutse as the state capital, noting that the palace would serve as an important point of contact for visitors to the state.
“Dutse is the capital of the state, and the palace is one of the first points of call for visitors, whether at the national or international level,” the governor said.
Namadi also assured traditional rulers across the state of continued government support, saying their role in maintaining peace and stability remained important to the development of Jigawa.
According to him, the government would continue to provide an enabling environment for traditional institutions to contribute to the progress of the state.
The SSG said the project was significant because it represented the fulfilment of a commitment made by the governor to the Emir and people of Dutse Emirate.
“His Excellency the Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has promised to construct this palace, and today we are witnessing the fulfilment of that promise,” he said.
Bala assured the Emir and the people of Dutse that the government would provide the necessary support to ensure the project was completed within the stipulated 18 months.
He also urged the contractor to adhere to the agreed work programme and deliver a project that would stand the test of time.
The first phase of the project, he said, was valued at approximately N2.6 billion.
The new palace is designed to accommodate a range of facilities, including a coronation hall, Jumu’ah mosque, conference facilities, residential areas, indoor and outdoor spaces, the Chief Imam’s residence and other supporting structures.
For the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammad Hameem Nuhu Sanusi, the project marks the end of a long wait.
The Emir said the Dutse Emirate had been looking forward to a modern palace for about 30 years, describing the project as a major development not only for the emirate but for the entire state.
“We’ve been praying for this project for the past 30 years, but this is the time that Allah has made it to happen. We are grateful to our governor for it,” he said.
The Emir described the project as a source of pride for the royal family, the people of Dutse Emirate and Jigawa State as a whole.
He, however, said the new palace would not erase the historical importance of the existing palace in Garu, where the Emir currently receives guests.
According to him, the old palace would be preserved because of its cultural and historical value.
“The old palace is still there and I’ll be receiving guests at the old palace. If you really want to impress people, the old palace is the place to take them because the history is there, the culture is there, and nothing beats Garu Palace,” he said.
Meanwhile, the representative of the contractor, Engr. Abubakar Kaila, assured the state government that the company was committed to completing the project within the 18-month deadline.
He said the contractor had already received mobilisation from the government and commenced work at the site.
“We are in time with our programme because we have already established a programme of work, and we intend to abide by it,” Kaila said.
The construction of the new palace comes months after the Jigawa State Government remodelled part of the Emir of Hadejia’s palace, a project commissioned by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in June.
The latest project is expected to give the Dutse Emirate a modern traditional complex befitting its position in the state capital, while the historic Garu Palace continues to serve as an important link to the emirate’s past.
