The Shendam Local Government Council in Plateau State is investing in a hospitality facility in Karu, Nasarawa State, to generate sustainable revenue, create employment and provide accommodation for residents travelling to Abuja and its environs.
The Shendam Guest House, currently 40 per cent complete, is expected to reduce the council’s dependence on federal allocations while providing long-term economic benefits to the people.
The council chairman, Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, disclosed this during an inspection of the project attended by lawmakers, government representatives, stakeholders and other local government chairmen.
Nshe explained that the project involved the redevelopment of an old facility comprising 13 flats built during the administration of former chairman Sebastian Bukhari more than two decades ago.
He said the council negotiated with the occupants and arranged alternative accommodation to allow construction to commence, adding that the project was expected to be completed within six months.
According to him, the facility will feature 84 en-suite rooms, event halls, a restaurant, laundry services, a swimming pool, a lounge and a gym.
Nshe said his administration was prioritising investments capable of delivering lasting benefits rather than limiting public spending to immediate needs.
“We are not thinking of taking the money, but we are thinking of investing the money,” he said.
The project consultant, Engr. Lawi Abdalla of ATM EARTH Creatives, expressed confidence that the facility would be completed within the six-month timeline, citing workers’ commitment despite challenges posed by the rainy season.
He noted that the terrain required stronger reinforcement materials and extensive retaining walls to ensure the building’s stability.
The member representing Shendam Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Joe Bukar, described the project as a visionary investment that could generate revenue and create employment opportunities.
Bukar said the initiative aligned with the Plateau State Government’s The Time Is Now mantra, expressing confidence that it would provide lasting benefits to the people of Shendam.
Also speaking, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, described the project as an investment in the future and urged the contractor to ensure timely completion.
Mwansat also encouraged local government chairmen to learn from one another and pursue sustainable development initiatives that would strengthen their councils’ financial capacity.
The Chairman of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, Hon. Stephen Pwajok, who spoke on behalf of other council chairmen, commended Nshe for the initiative.
Pwajok said the facility would provide accommodation for Plateau indigenes visiting Abuja while creating a potential revenue stream for the council.
He also commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for supporting development initiatives across the state’s 17 local government areas, expressing hope that the project would inspire similar investments elsewhere.
