He spoke while performing the groundbreaking of Zuma Smart City and Resort in Chachi, Tafa Council.
The governor, who decried the mining activities by Chinese firms in the state, urged the Federal Government to tame unwholesome acts.
“I wish to use this opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government to take a critical look at activities of multinational companies that mutilate our environment and national endowment with impunity,” he said.
The governor observed that if the Chinese firm had been left unchecked, the aesthetic nature of Zuma Rock and its environs would have been destroyed, adding that the State Executive Council (SEC) had made deliberate efforts to protect “Zuma Rock and its environs, by making it a Zuma Rock investment and cultural city to attract investors and preserve it.”
He urged collaboration against citizens’ exploitation.
Bello lauded Aso Savings and Loans for showing interest in the project, expressing confidence that the initiative would be fruitful.
Earlier, the governor-elect, Umar Mohammed Bago, said the state must maximise its closeness to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), having donated over 70 per cent of its land to Abuja.
He commended Governor Bello for the initiative, saying the state will continue to develop its tourist potential for economic benefits.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aso Savings and Loans, Hajiya Risikatu Ahmed, said the move was to develop a smart and sustainable city, comprising over 2,500 units of hybrid houses on 150 hectares of land.
She explained that 708 units would be constructed in the first phase, consisting of 228 units of one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 378 units of two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows and 238 units of three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
The MD/CEO added that the project will also enjoy facilities such as schools, fire stations, police station, roads, green areas, walkways, renewable energy sources and relevant amenities for a sustainable smart city.
Commissioner for Land and Housing Danladi Mahmud Liman and his Information and Strategy counterpart, Emmanuel Musa Umar, who represented Chachi community, commended the initiative, pledging full support.
The smart city is an initiative of the Niger State government, in collaboration with Aso Savings and Loans, to provide a modern housing and recreational centre to Nigerians.
