Abeokuta — The controversial Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library yesterday went into a partnership and signed a $6.1 million contract for the development of the museum component of the library with an American firm of designers and architects, Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA).

This is coming just as many of the prospective donors at the well celebrated 2005 fundraising ceremony, when Obasanjo was still the president, were to redeem their pledges till date.

The contract was sealed at Obasanjo hilltop private residence, Abeokuta having in attendance Mr Ralph Appelbaum, leader of the associates, some of his members, Christopher Kolade, Prof Akin Mabogunje, Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, Carl Masters and other board of trustees' members.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Christopher Kolade, who is the Chairman, Board of Trustees, disclosed that the project, which was initially estimated to cost N5.5 billion during its fundraising in 2005 is now to gulp N9 billion.

He recalled that at the fundraising of the library project, more than N6.5 billion was pledged, but said about N4.5 billion has been redeemed, adding that so far more than 30 percent of the project has been completed, while the main contractor has been paid over N2billion for the complex so far.

His words: "Though the project was originally estimated to cost N5.5 billion, now the projection has changed and for its to meet the next year completion deadline, OOPL is going to raise more money to meet the estimated cost of N9 billion "

Kolade boss said that the historical importance of the project is already recognised by the UNESCO, which has chosen it to host the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding.

On the associates firm, Kolade explained that "they would not only consult for library, they would also marshal the hiring of contractors to construct and manage the interactive and multimedia components of the library"

"The contract sum is $6.1million, including consultancy's professional fee. We can assure you that with this partnership with this famous firm, the OOPL is assured of world-class service," he added.

According to Kolade, "As you are aware, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library is the first of its kind in Africa. The museum component is probably the most important as it would house and exhibit archival artefacts, in a way that will tell a beautiful story and history of our country, our people and our culture to the rest of the outside world"

Obasanjo later took the partners and other members in attendance, including the press on a facility tour of the project.