The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, received the final design concept for the N19.6bn Edo State Radisson Hotel Project (ESRH), with the assurance that the project whose construction is set to begin on July 27, 2023, will be completed before the end of his administration in 2024.
The governor, who received the design at the Government House in Benin City, said the 170-room hotel is part of projects by the government to boost its tourism receipts and drive economic growth, adding that the project on completion will enhance the State’s chances to host sporting events.
According to him, “The reason why we have not won the right to host international sporting events is because of lack of accommodation that would pass the standard test of the governing bodies for events like gymnastics, swimming, tracks, and others.
“The need for this project can’t be over-emphasized. Our goal as a government is to complete the project before leaving office in 2024. With the right team, procurement processes, and right partners, this is possible.
“The financing for this project is being created and the project will pay itself up in less than five years. Projects like this are dollar-based and we need to make decisions on time and finish our procurement early enough. The team has been diligent enough in their job as we are dealing with public funds and making sure of accountability and transparency in the way the project is being handled.”
Obaseki added, “There is clarity on what is to be done to bring this project to reality. There is clarity about the long list of items to be bought ahead of holidays in Europe to enable these items to be bought and shipped on time. We will continue to support the project.”
Charging the project contractors on quality, the Governor said, “We know the quality standard you are made of and know with you, we have no doubt that you will do a good job.”
Earlier, the Project Manager, Jerry Donkor Associates, Jerry Donkor, who presented the design to the governor, said the project will be ready for opening in October 2024.
Noting that construction work is proposed to commence 27th of July 2023, Donkor added that “The project will be handed over to the Edo State Government on the 19th of September 2024, while the actual opening will be on the 18th of October 2024.”
On her part, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget, Economic Planning and Development, Mrs. Adaze Aguele-Kalu, said the project is very essential and critical for the State’s economic development.
Hailing the governor’s commitment to ensuring a safe and conducive environment for businesses to thrive, the Commissioner noted, “Opening a 170-room hotel will attract a lot of domestic and international travelers, boosting tourism in the State. It will open the State for hospitality, luxury and business.
“This hotel is a great opportunity for development as it is well located. The governor is passionate about ensuring we close this in the next 12 to 16 months as our partners are experienced.”
