…ongoing hospitality revolution to earn Edo hosting rights in International sports arena
By Godspower Eguasa
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, issued a letter of intent to the most preferred contractor, Shapoorji Pallonji, for the development of Radisson Hotel, a 170-key international upscale hotel in Edo State, noting that the ongoing hospitality revolution in the state will trigger development, attract more foreign investors and earn the state all the rights denied it by the international sports community over the years, due to lack of quality accommodation.
Obaseki made the remarks during a presentation of the project’s overview and key highlights by the project team, led by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Adaze Aguele-Kalu, held on July 19, 2023, at the Edo State Government House, in Benin City.
Obaseki who emphasized the magnitude of the economic and social importance of the project for residents in the state, assured of the state’s commitment to ensuring the smooth and timely delivery of the project before the end of his administration in line with the stipulated timeframe.
Obaseki said: “First, let me thank the project team for the work you have done to date in bringing this project to reality. As I have cause to mention, this project is where we have now finally partnered with Radisson to build a 170-key hotel in Benin City. Today we are constricted or restricted because we do not have quality accommodation that would make Edo compete for international events.
“We have a world-class stadium for instance which has facilities that match what we find anywhere in the world. The gymnastic equipment in our gymnasium at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is the same with that used in the last Tokyo Olympics.
“Our swimming pool is one of two or three weightiest swimming pools in our country. Our tracks in that stadium are the same with that used in the last Olympics. So, there is really no reason why we cannot host continental Athletic and sporting events in Edo.
“The only reason that is restricting or stopping us from winning the hosting rights is because we do not have the kind of accommodation that will meet the standard and pass the test of the governing bodies of these events.
“So, the need for quality, well-managed hotel cannot be overemphasized. And that is why this project is very important for us as a government in Edo and our goal is to make sure that we complete the project before we leave office.”
Obaseki while assuring the project team of the state’s continuous support in ensuring the successful actualization of the project, congratulated Shapoorji Pallonji on their emergence as the preferred contractor for the development of the project.
He said: “Fortunately, the financing for this project has already been curated. So, this is a project that would pay itself off in less than 5 years. We are glad that we are here today. We have clarity, both from the Radisson end, and we have clarity as to what needs to be done to bring this project to reality.
“We are very glad that we have Shapoorji Pallonji as our preferred bidder for this civil work. They come with a lot of experience. It is really a thing of pride to have a quality contractor of this nature that is so well-reputed and has done world-class projects all over the world.”
Governor Obaseki pledged continued support to the project, noting that the electricity company has been instructed to ensure constant supply of power to the project site to enable a round-the-clock work schedule, in order to meet the project delivery deadline.
The honourable commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Adaze Aguele-Kalu, during her brief, commended Governor Godwin Obaseki on laudable strides in the hospitality sector, especially with the ongoing development of the Radisson Hotel in Benin, noting that it would open up the state for greater investment and economic development.
According to Aguele-Kalu, “His Excellency has a vision to open up Edo State for business. So, opening up the 170-room key hotel will benefit the state greatly; we would have a lot of domestic and international travelers, a lot of businesses would spring up, it would accelerate tourism in the state and open up Edo State for hospitality, luxury, and businesses”.
“The Governor is very passionate about ensuring we close this within the next 12 to 16 months and we have the right partners on ground, who are experienced and have done this in many other states before. It is fantastic for this administration to actually ensure that the Radisson Hotel is opened in due time”.
