The Executive Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has been commended for his visionary leadership and unalloyed support in assenting to the new law that birthed the Edo State Development and Property Corporation (ESDPC).
Aside from the name change, strengthened leadership and management, the ESDPC Law 2022 has created more room for ESDPC to engage and collaborate with private sector investors and developers without political interference.
This assertion was contained in a press statement by the Managing Director, ESDPC, John Zedomi, made available to the Nigerian Observer, at a press conference during the unveiling of ESDPC recently at the Edo Communications Office Complex, Benin City, followed by a guided facility tour of the newly completed Golf Mews in Benin City.
While addressing journalists during the press conference to share important updates regarding the name change from Bendel State Development and Property Authority (BDPA) to Edo State Development and Property Corporation (ESDPC), the Managing Director stated that ESDPC has a long history and a few name changes over the years, evolving from the Bendel State Development and Property Authority (BDPA) to the Edo State Development and Property Authority when Edo State was created on August 27, 1991, to the Edo State Development and Property Agency (EDPA) in 2018 and now the Edo State Development and Property Corporation (ESDPC).
Zedomi noted: “All these changes in name and function were statutorily done starting with the Laws of Bendel State Edict No 3 of 1969 and amended by Edict 11 of 1979, Edo State Development and Property Authority Edict of 1991, Edo State Development and Property Agency Law 2018 and the Edo State Development and Property Corporation Law 2022, Gazetted under the Edo State Extra-Ordinary Gazette No. 26, Vol. 3 on March 23, 2023.”
He further stated, “We have undergone this name change to better reflect our expanded scope and objectives. However, it is essential to note that along with this change, some other amendments have been made to the law establishing our Corporation. These changes enhance our capabilities and strengthen our commitment to the development of Edo State.”
The Managing Director, ESDPC continued: “In 2018, there was a significant shift in the mode of engagement when the Edo State Development and Property Agency law was enacted.
“The 2018 EDPA Law gave the Agency more room to engage and collaborate with private sector investors and developers and structured the Agency to operate more autonomously without political interference. This was to realign the operations of the Agency with the thrust of the Godwin Obaseki-led administration, which had positioned itself as an enabler and facilitator of development.
“In enacting the ESDPC 2022 Law, the organisational structure was altered aside from the name change to strengthen its leadership and management, stating the calibre of human resources to occupy these positions. Other aspects of the old law were amended to strengthen the legal and financial autonomy of the organisation to enhance its private sector-facing nature.
“Therefore, the ESDPC’s activities are now treated as a business devoid of bureaucracy. This change reflects our renewed focus on fostering economic growth and sustainable development and actively engaging in and promoting responsible property development across the State.”
He added, “These changes will enable us to serve the people of Edo State better, drive economic growth, and promote responsible property development.
Zedomi maintained that under the current management of the Edo State Development and Property Corporation, the impact is evident in the completion and handover of Emotan Garden City Estate Phase I and the recently completed Iconic Golf Mews Apartments in the heart of the Government Reservation Area of Benin, noting that these have been done within the context of ESDPC’s powers, privileges, and new statutory enablement.
Zedomi disclosed, “Moving on to our projects, I am delighted to share updates on the ongoing initiatives shaping Edo State’s future.”
Notably, ESPDC has been diligently working on several key projects that have the potential to transform Edo communities and enhance the quality of life for the citizens.
The projects include: Emotan Garden City; Orange Estate, Iguovbiobo; Golfview Heights, Reservation Road, GRA Benin and Affordable Housing Estate in Ekpoma.
Recognising that there is still much work to be done, the Managing Director stressed ESPDC’s progress on ongoing projects and the positive outcomes of completed initiatives, as well as emphasized that ESPDC remain steadfast in her commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration.
He reassured that ESPDC will continue to work closely with all stakeholders, including the government, communities, and private sector partners, to ensure that ESPDC initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of Edo State.
Earlier, Zedomi expressed his gratitude to stakeholders and their ongoing interest in Edo State’s progress noting that their involvement and continued support fuel ESDPC’s determination to achieve its shared vision of a prosperous and sustainable Edo State.
Ultimately, Zedomi charged, “Together, we will build a brighter future and Make Edo Great Again.”
Responding to journalists, John Zedomi said that from 2002 to 2017, there was a palpable lull in the provision of housing estates in Edo State until the emergence of Governor Godwin Obaseki. The Governor’s visionary leadership and support have positioned ESPDC to fulfil its role of creating a housing inventory for citizens of the state.
Zedomi also posited that ESDPC developmental strides have attracted infrastructural amenities to communities where these estates are being developed. Citing Emotan Garden City as an example, he said that roads, drainages, Osiomo Power supply, water supply and a police station are attracted to the Egba community because of the estate’s location.
He further said that the Edo State Government is domesticating the National Housing Policy, which, according to him, will provide direction for affordable housing delivery in Edo State.
Highlight of the press conference was the media guided tour of the Golf Mews facility.
During the tour, the Executive Director Technical, ESDPC, Arc. Bose Idegbesor narrated that the development of Golf Mews, exquisite luxury apartments boasting exceptional amenities, was successfully completed in the first quarter of 2023, marking the culmination of the prestigious project.
“Golf Mews stands as a proud symbol of meticulous design, impeccable construction, and an unwavering dedication to creating spaces that exceed expectations,” she said.
