Following Governor Godwin Obaseki’s approval for Edo State Development and Property Corporation to partner with private developers in the development of the Emotan Garden City, the formal handing over ceremony of the Emotan Garden City Phase Two site to private developers held on Thursday, August 10, 2023, in Benin City, Edo State.
The milestone event was characterised by the presentation of certificates to four outstanding credible real estate developers – WTF Construction, Landsmith Construction, D’Prince Builders and Ivy League Limited, at the Emotan Gardens City, located along Pioneer Road, Off Upper Sokponba, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the State
Speaking at the official handing over ceremony of the site, the Managing Director of Edo State Development and Property Corporation (ESDPC), Mr. John Zedomi, noted that the investment in the housing sector in Edo State by the Godwin Obaseki-led Government which started in 2018, has received a large boost.
Zedomi emphasised that the yardstick for choosing the four developers were their credibility in the real estate industry, competence, track record, and financial capacity to embark on the project.
He further stressed that the development of Emotan Garden City has transformed the housing sector in Edo State, affirming that Government’s investment in the sector is yielding remarkable dividends which include the construction of standard and affordable housing units for Edo residents.
“This moment marks a significant milestone in our journey towards making Emotan Garden City a transformative development. This is in line with the vision of our Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s vision of providing affordable housing for citizens of Edo State in line with the MEGA Agenda,” Zedomi said.
Congratulating the chosen developers who have demonstrated their expertise, commitment to quality and innovative vision, Zedomi remarked, “Together they will shape this land into a vibrant and sustainable community.
“As developers, you have the power to create spaces that improve lives, embrace sustainable housing practices, prioritize design excellence and engage with the local community.
“Your work should leave a positive impact on both people and the environment. This handover is not an end but a new beginning. Embrace the journey with enthusiasm, resilience and collaboration.
“Together with us at the Edo State Development and Property Corporation (ESDPC), we will create a remarkable development that future generations will be proud to call home.”
Responding, the Managing Director, WTF Construction Limited, Dr. Mrs. Nosa Omere, commending the Managing Director of ESDPC for the laudable reforms in the agency, assured that they would work within the designs and specifications, as set out by ESDPC in the Emotan Garden City, Phase Two project.
On his part, the CEO of D’Prince Builders, Mr. Cyril Omoregie, commended the State Government for providing the infrastructure and secure environment for the real estate business to thrive in Edo State. He noted that his firm will deliver affordable smart homes and services to the people of Edo State, appealing to those in the diaspora to take advantage of the investment opportunities at the Emotan Garden City.
In the same vein, the General Manager of Landsmith Constructions Limited, Mr. Sabbath Samson, stated that the company will replicate the standard and affordable housing units at the estate. He also commended the State Government for partnering with the private sector in bridging the housing deficit in the State.
During a guided tour of the site with developers, the Managing Director explained that Phase Two of the Emotan Garden City is a planned estate that will have a recreational layout, a shopping mall, a central water supply, a central sewage system, Ossiomo power (uninterrupted power) supply, paved roads, provision a police station with other security posts and Certificate of Occupancy.
Zedomi assured the developers that the Edo State Government has stakeholders in the ecosystem who would guarantee that all observed project-associated challenges like the construction of internal accessible roads network and drains are promptly attended to before the next year’s timeline given for the official commissioning of the buildings.
“We will do our part to ensure that we assist you and support you in all these areas to ensure we meet the goal because we are joint ventures in that goal and if we want to achieve our goal you must achieve yours. I want to assure you that definitely what needs to be done will be done.
“The 68 units you see here that are completed were handed over last year to the purchasers, and so we now have 147 that we are building also as ESDPC.
“When this estate is fully completed, it will be about a thousand two or four hundred houses from our estimation. Currently what the contractors are going to add is about six to seven hundred houses to the existing housing unit we have, we have about two hundred now.
“Between a thousand four hundred and forty is what is on the layout but when you start developing there can be adjustments,” he added.
In attendance at the handing over ceremony, were the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), Mr. Toju Onaiwu; Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, (MPPHURD), ESV. Austine Reminson; Mr. Dele Edokpayi, Managing Director, MacFrankin Engineering Services Limited; Mr. John Zedomi, Managing Director, ESDPC; Arch. Bosede Idegbesor, Director of Shared Services, ESDPC; Mrs. Flora Inneh, Director, Human Resources, ESDPC; Staff of the ESDPC, amongst others.
