The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) to partner with his administration in actualizing the state’s 30-year development.
Obaseki who received the 24th President of NIESV, Chief Emmanuel Okas Wike and other members of the Association, on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City, described the NIESV as a catalyst to the economic development of any society.
The governor was also installed as a patron of NIESV for his contribution to the development of the association.
Obaseki said his government was willing and ready to sustain partnership with the association to bring significant development to Edo State.
The governor noted: “This institution is one of the household names in Nigeria and has built professionals across the country. The professionalism of institution is a barometer for measuring the extent of real estate development in the society.
“Your role is very important as you attach value to properties and help in the exchange of such values; you are a catalyst in the economy of any society.
“I am glad that since your association came into Edo State, there has been an increase in the activities of real estate and real estate businesses as it is beginning to grow.”
Obaseki continued: “Our goal is to ensure that we bring significant development into Edo State and NIESV is one barometer in estate development. We are doing a lot to ensure things are done appropriately.
“We have just launched the process of developing an Urban Master Plan for Benin City and an original plan for Edo State; this is in addition to a 30-year development plan to accompany the development of the Master Plan. The whole idea is to put structure into order and also check the way we take up space in developing and growing the State.”
Obaseki drew the attention of Chief Wike to the compromising position of some of its members in determining the cost for compensation as the practice makes the government pay more as compensation for properties acquired by the government.
He urged the association to work with his administration in ensuring such corrupt practices are reduced to the barest minimum, utilising the institution’s ethical standard to check the trend.
“We have done a survey and with that survey, we have been able to assist people in the state in getting their C-of-O’s faster than they can think; this is to encourage more developers to come into the state to develop.
“We have data on the real estate in Edo State particularly in the metropolitan area and would like to collaborate with you in this area,” he added.
Earlier, the president of NIESV commended Obaseki for his vision, dynamism and giant developmental strides aimed at confronting the challenges facing the people of Edo State and his commitment in making Edo State an investment destination through numerous infrastructural projects and social development initiatives.
He said the association has been a dependable partner with the Federal and state governments for about 52 years of its existence in the area of policy formulation, land administration, asset management and administration, housing and project development in general.
