The Edo State Development and Property Corporation (ESDPC), has reiterated its commitment to work with stakeholders to ensure housing initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of the state.
ESDPC Managing Director, Mr. John Zedomi, made the statement on the occasion of the unveiling of ESDPC logo and tour of Golf Mews project in Benin City, the state capital. He said: “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, as well as structured 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 EDSPC’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 stated that the ongoing development of 147 housing units is currently at the roofing level and up for sale, while four real estate developers that will develop over 700 housing units were recently given sites.
“We are entering into a joint venture partnership arrangement with Orange Estate Land Developer Nigeria Limited and have already handed over the site at Iguovbiobo, along the Benin-Auchi Road, Uhunmwonde LGA, for the development of blocks of flats totaling 108 Flats. This project will serve as an opportunity for home ownership and development of the host Community,” he said.
Zedomi stressed that the agency signed another joint venture development agreement with Median Infrastructure Development Limited to develop 46 Luxury Apartments at Reservation Road in the Government Reservation Area, Benin City, adding, “This comes after a successful Golf Mews Project, which was oversubscribed.
“Having done the Housing Needs Assessment of the Ekpoma, Irrua and environs recently, we are also on the verge of entering into another joint venture partnership with an indigenous real estate developer to build over 300 affordable housing units along the Ekpoma / Irrua Road.
“We are proud of our progress on our ongoing projects and positive outcomes of our completed initiatives. However, we recognise that there is still much work to be done.”
He added: “We remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration. We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders, including the government, communities, and private sector partners, to ensure that our initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of our state.”
