Tremendous progress has been made in the construction of the Benin City Mall that is poised to become a vibrant hub for commerce and leisure, providing a platform for businesses to thrive and creating numerous employment opportunities for the local community.
The Mall, a product of the visionary MEGA (Making Edo Great Again) agenda of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration and his commitment to fostering economic growth in the state, has reached an impressive 70 percent completion rate, signalling that it would be ready for opening in August.
This came to the fore recently when the Edo State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Adaze Aguele-Kalu, accompanied by her counterpart in the Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives, Hon. Patrick Uanseru, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economic Planning and Development, Mr. Bernard Aigbe, paid a visit to the Benin City Mall to assess progress of work.
Giving an update to the visiting government officials, the supervisor of the project revealed that the Benin City Mall has reached 70 percent completion rate and assured it would be fully ready for a grand opening in August 2023.
Mrs. Aguele-Kalu, who was impressed with the progress report, urged the on-site manager to promptly communicate any challenges that may arise in order to ensure that no delays hinder the completion of the project.
The Budget and Economic Planning Commissioner also advised the supervisor to conduct Zoom meetings with the 39 prospective tenants to ensure that the tenants are well-prepared and ready to commence their operations as soon as the Mall becomes operational.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economic Planning and Development, Mr. Bernard Aigbe, emphasized the importance of efficiency and expediency in the ongoing work, highlighting the commitment of the government to delivering the transformative project.
The construction of the Benin City Mall represents a strategic investment in the City’s future, aligning with the government’s vision to create a conducive business environment and drive economic prosperity.
When completed, the Benin City Mall, with its modern design and extensive facilities, would become a landmark destination, ushering in a new shopping experience for the over 4 million residents of Edo State and visitors who will throng the mall for its broad spectrum of product and service offerings, and catering to their diverse needs and preferences.
The Mall, which will boast world-class lounges, bars, children entertainment centres, restaurants, wellness spas, a free digital library, and night clubs, is expected to contribute to job creation, promote entrepreneurship, and stimulate economic activities, ultimately benefitting not just Edo State but the entire South-South region.
Mrs. Aguele-Kalu, during the visit to the Mall, reiterated the determination of the state government to deliver on the project and other transformative projects that will uplift communities and drive sustainable development.
In addition to the Benin City Mall, the officials also visited the proposed site for the Radisson Hotel and the Garrick Memorial Field, underscoring the government’s dedication to expanding and enhancing the City’s infrastructure and tourism offerings, attracting investment and fostering economic growth.
