The Edo State Government has pledged to realise the Benin Enterprise Park project, noting that on completion, the project will boost economic activities in the State and transform its fortunes.
The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Strategy, Policy, Planning and Performance Management, Sarah Esangbedo Ajose-Ajogun said this while addressing journalists after a meeting with partners on the project.
She said the government is partnering with the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) as investors for the project.
Ajose-Ajogun noted, “The Benin Enterprise Park Project is one of our priority projects in Edo State. This workshop has become necessary because we are at the point where we are kicking off the execution of the development of the project.
“We have partnered with the Nigeria Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to go into execution as our investors. We are breaking down this big project into manageable sizes so that we can begin to schedule what is required for NCDMB to mobilize and commence construction and implementation at the project site.”
According to her, the workshop is to enable effective planning on the marketing activities as more investors are required to go into the execution of the project.
She added, “Phase one of this project, which is 200 hectares of land, has been earmarked for development and this workshop is on how to develop the 200 hectares, get the investors into the park, and ensure that the Benin Enterprise Park can become a reality.
“The partners have also discussed several strategies which should be put in place for sustainability and success. This is one project that will change the economic trajectory and economic outlook of Edo State.
“The project brings in a lot of economic benefits and the value is what we have been working with experts to enable us to develop a roadmap and multiyear plan to enable us to execute and derive the benefits from the programme.”
On his part, the Managing Director of Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency, Engr. Austin Osaretin Osakwe said that the workshop is to review the design and cost implications of developing the Benin Enterprise Park.
He noted, “The Benin Enterprise Park combines infrastructural, commercial, and residential zones in about 1,000 hectares of land. There will be uninterrupted power supply, internet connectivity, C-WAY treatment plant, water reticulation and well laid out routes, and other facilities that will attract other world-class investors into Edo State.”
