As part of efforts towards making Edo State a preferred investment destination, the state government has facilitated a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with investors for the building of the Monee International Market in the state.
To facilitate the process, the government had earlier granted a waiver to the investor in the payment of planning fees, besides other government efforts.
The MoU was signed by members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of Monee International Market, the developer, Alicesons Property Market Limited, and lawyers for both parties at the ESIPO office in Benin City.
The international market located on Agbor Road, Benin City is for the sales of electrical and electronics materials as well as building materials.
On completion, it will create 20,00 direct and indirect jobs for the populace and also be seen as a significant economic impetus for the development of the state.
The investor stated that it will alter the original plan of the market to increase the number of building so as to accommodate up to 2,860 stores from the original 1,290.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Managing Director of Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi assured the investor of government support towards completing the project soon.
According to him, “As a government, you have our support to move to site two weeks from today.
“Let me say that God’s hand is in this project. We are doing this and prosperity will hold us assountable.
”We all want to change Nigeria for better and this is one thing we are doing to bring that change; working with all sincerity to make good things happen in our state which will legitimately put money into the pockets of our people through trading will help the Nigeria economy,” he added.
Chief Sam Awiaka who spoke on behalf of the BoT of Monee International Market said that the project has lingered for years.
He commended the courage and efforts of ESIPO in facilitating the project, urging stakeholders not to relent until the project completion.
(Leadership)
