Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has expressed satisfaction with progress so far recorded with the development of Coral City, noting that it is one of the projects his administration embarked on to reposition the state as one of the best places to live and work in the country.

The governor said this when he met with top government officials, partners and other stakeholders to discuss progress on the project, at the executive chambers, Government House, Benin City.

Obaseki said: “The mandate for this project was given a year ago. I commend all our partners for the speed and professionalism they have put in to bring this project to this level.

“My administration is determined to make Edo the place of choice to live and work in Nigeria.

“The motivating factor for this project is to develop the state and discourage our young population from traveling out of this state and country. We have the capacity to renew and position our environment like anywhere in the world. We need to define the space to support our young generation.

“We have taken our land from land grabbers, secured it and done all that we need to do like survey and other necessary things. We now have valuable data, and have planned the land. Everything needed to live in a sane community and society has been put there.”

The governor pointed out that planning is key in achieving the project. He also stressed that regulations would be made ready as his administration is putting governance in place. Obaseki disclosed that, already, key infrastructural facilities are in place, such as the Ossiomo Power, fiber optic connection, among others, noting that the project, when completed, would, indeed, be a place to live.

The governor further said that financing and marketing are crucial, noting that there is a need to sell the city to all, including those in the Diaspora. He, however, expressed confidence that the estate would be sold, whether residential or commercial, because there are off-takers.

He added: “Our financing partners would make this possible, as we estimate about N20 billion to cover the first phase of infrastructure, which is about 13.3km, and other things we are expecting would be ready within six to nine months.”