The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the development of a four-star hotel project in Benin City, the State capital, will boost the State’s tourism receipts and bolster the State’s chances at hosting sporting competitions and other international events, including film festivals and art exhibitions.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Obaseki said the government has received the final design for the N19.6bn Edo State Radisson Hotel Project (ESRH), whose construction is set to begin on July 27, 2023, and to be completed before the end of his administration in 2024.
According to the governor, the project on completion will redefine the space of the hospitality sector in the State, creating employment opportunities and boosting economic growth, among other benefits.
He said, “The reason why we have not won the right to host international sporting events is because of lack of accommodation that would pass the standard test of the governing bodies for events like gymnastics, swimming, track, and others.
“The need for this project can’t be over-emphasized. Our goal as a government is to complete the project before leaving office in 2024. With the right team, procurement processes, and right partners, this is possible.”
The governor added, “The financing for this project is being created and the project will pay itself up in less than five years. Projects like this are dollar-based and we need to make decisions on time and finish our procurement early enough. The team has been diligent enough in their job as we are dealing with public funds and making sure of accountability and transparency in the way the project is being handled.”
