Edo State government, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, has ended several failed attempts to develop a residential estate in Edo Central Senatorial District over the years.
This was disclosed last weekend at Edo State Development Property Corporation (ESDPC) headquarters during the signing of a joint venture agreement between ESDPC and Maximpact Global Ventures Limited to develop Esan Garden City Estate in Ekpoma.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Benin City, the Managing Director of ESDPC, Esv. John Zedomi, said the plan for this project is to develop 521 houses, saying with the agreement signing, the development of the housing units will commence within the next few weeks.
He said, “This journey started almost a year ago. I am very excited and delighted that we are at this point today, signing the agreement to formally kick off this far-reaching and impactful project.
“As a corporation, this is the first major project we are taking outside the Edo South Senatorial District, which is very important for us. We will use it as the first fruit of many good things to come in other parts of the state.
“Based on our conversation with Maximpact, we expect this project to deliver 100 houses in the first phase by the end of 2024. We are particularly expectant based on the drive and commitment of our partners, Maximpact, who are indigenous developers and sons of the soil in that area.
“We are excited that this whole project will open up great possibilities. It will attract investment and infrastructure as well as create jobs. So many spin offs will come subsequently after. We therefore thank the Edo State Government and Governor Godwin Obaseki for this opportunity”.
On his part, the Managing Director/CEO of Maximpact Global Ventures Limited, Dr Eromonsele Peter, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to make an impactful contribution to the project.
He assured the Edo State government and ESDPC that Maximpact would deliver the estate on schedule and promised to satisfy the state, ESDPC and the host community.
Dr Eromosele emphasised that Maximpact already has people who have indicated interests in taking up the houses as development progresses.
According to Eromosele, “We will not look for who to buy the houses. The buyers are already waiting for us to start. And once we start, the project will blossom.
“We are sure to deliver at the right time, and we will give you the best”. Contributing, Maximpact consultant and ex-General Manager of EDPA (2001-2013), Dr Ifenna Chukwujekwu, described the partnership and the project itself as a milestone, saying all efforts by previous administrations to build residential housing estates in Edo Central and Edo North in the past failed.
“So, this is the set time to expand estate development to Edo Central and North Senatorial Districts in Edo State”, Dr Chukuwjekwu said.
On their part, the chairman of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Conrade Alabi Precious, and representative of United Bank of Africa (UBA), Mr Ero Michael, respectively, expressed their hopes and trust in the project and its impact on the environment and the people of the community.
They, however, recommend sustaining this modern way of estate and property development across the state.
