Managing Director, Edo State Development and Property Corporation (ESDPC), Mr. John Zedomi, has stated that his agency “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.”
He made the statement on the occasion of the unveiling of ESDPC logo and tour of Golf Mews Project on Thursday in Benin City.
Zedomi asserted that over the years the agency had undergone change in name and functions adding, “we have undergone this name change to better reflect our expanded scope and objectives.
“However, it is essential to note that along with this change, some other amendments have been made to the law establishing our Corporation. These changes enhance our capabilities and strengthen our commitment to the development of Edo State.”
Going forth, he divulged: “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 and structured the Agency 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.”
According to him, “these changes will enable us to serve the people of Edo State better, drive economic growth, and promote responsible property development. Under the current headship of the Edo State Development and Property Corporation, the impact is evident in the completion and handover of Emotan Garden City Estate Phase I and the recently completed Iconic Golf Mews Apartments in the heart of the Government Reservation Area of Benin—these we have done within the context of our powers, privileges, and new statutory enablement.”
On projects, Zedomi said: “I am delighted to share updates on the ongoing initiatives shaping Edo State’s future. Our Corporation has been diligently working on several key projects that have the potential to transform our communities and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.
“The ongoing development of 147 housing units is currently at the roofing level and up for sale.
B. The recent handover of sites to four real estate developers to develop over 700 housing units.
“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 totalling 108 Flats. This project will serve as an opportunity for home ownership and development of the host Community.”
He stressed that the agency signed a Joint Venture Development Agreement with Median Infrastructure Development Limited on the 17th of August 2023 to develop 46 Luxury Apartments at Reservation Road in the Government Reservation Area, Benin City.
“This comes after a successful Golf Mews Project, which was oversubscrd. This projecs expected ommence in September 2023.”
In Zedomi’s submission, “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 the positive outcomes of our completed initiatives. However, we recognize that there is still much work to be done.”
He averred: “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.
“Finally, I would be remiss not to appreciate the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for his visionary leadership and unalloyed support in assenting to the new law that birthed the ESDPC.”
