The Edo State Government aims to transform the state into a hub for culture and tourism in West Africa. To realise this goal, the government has put forth the Radisson Hotel project as a strategic initiative to facilitate the development of the Benin cultural district. It will encompass museums, moat walks, research centres, and hotels. The proposition to build a N19.6 billion five-star hotel has stirred up controversy and debate in the state, reports, South south Bureau Chief BISI OLANIYI reports.
In the 70s, there was a Benin-based billionaire industrialist, Chief Napoleon Odia who was into fishing and rubber farming. He was also involved in real estate business. His involvement in real estate enabled him to acquire houses and landed properties in almost all parts of Benin City, the Edo State capital and its environs.
The entrepreneur registered his company as Napoleon Odia and Company (Nigeria) Limited, which was incorporated in Benin, Nigeria, on April 20, 1977, with registration number RC 21071. The company’s registered office address then was at No. 25, Oyenmwosa Street, Benin City with Chief Napoleon Odia and Igbinifa Odia, among others, as directors of the company. While Chief Napoleon Odia was getting old and sick, he surprisingly decided to sell some of his properties in Edo State and beyond. One such investment was a magnificent building on Golf Course Road, adjacent to the massive Golf Course in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. It was very close to the private palatial mansions of the Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, a lawyer; and the embattled Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, who are neighbours and one-time friends.
One of those who approached the founder of Napoleon Odia and Company (Nigeria) Limited for the acquisition of the properties was the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the founder of Igbinedion University. Igbinedion made a good offer, which informed Chief Odia’s decision to sell the imposing building to him. Chief Igbinedion, who is also an industrialist, decided to opt for the luxury hotel business in the newly-acquired building on an expanse of land, which could be further developed.
In order to have a world-class hotel, Chief Igbinedion decided to invite the management of Sheraton Hotel as a partner in the investment, with top officials and structural engineers sent to assess the imposing building comprehensively and to do intensive soil analyses/tests. Unfortunately, the structural engineers gave an unpleasant report, declaring that the massive building had structural defects, and standing on soggy/waterlogged/swampy land, which could later collapse, in view of so much water underneath. As a result of the unpleasant report, Chief Igbinedion decided to abandon the property.
Recently, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, whose government is interested in the hospitality business, decided to approach Chief Igbinedion for the acquisition of the abandoned property for the proposed five-star Radisson Hotel. However, the defective hotel must first be demolished, the soil excavated, and heavily reinforced before the superstructure could be erected, and to be completed before the expiration of the Edo governor’s second term on November 12 next year.
While receiving the final design of the N19.6 billion hotel last month, Governor Obaseki said the development of the four-star hotel in Benin would boost Edo’s tourism receipts and bolster the state’s chances at hosting sporting competitions and other international events, including film festivals and art exhibitions. The project, on completion, would redefine the space of the hospitality sector in Edo, creating employment opportunities and boosting economic growth, among other benefits, he enthused. “The reason we have not won the right to host international sporting events is because of lack of accommodation that will pass the standard test of the governing bodies for events like gymnastics, swimming, track, and others. The need for this project cannot be over-emphasised. Our goal as a government is to complete the project before leaving office in 2024. With the right team, procurement processes, and right partners, this is possible.”
Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, declared that Obaseki was resetting the state for a better and brighter tomorrow, in his determination to make Edo great again. He insisted that the administration has a good story to tell, especially with the proposed Radisson Hotel. Nehikhare said: “In line with Edo State Government’s vision to reposition the state as West Africa’s culture and tourism hub, we are developing the Benin cultural district to host museums, moat walks, research centres and hotels. The Radisson Hotel is one of the pieces in the jigsaw.
“Having a luxury hotel in a town that is trying to build on its tourism potential, host international sporting events and tournaments as well as attract investors can have several benefits. A luxury hotel such as the Radisson brand attracts high-spending tourists, who are willing to pay more for luxurious accommodations. This can significantly boost the town’s tourism revenue and create a positive economic impact.
“Benin City, with a five-star hotel, becomes more appealing to domestic and international tourists. It will add to the overall appeal of our city as a tourist destination, making it stand out from other nearby locations. It will also improve infrastructure as the construction of a five-star hotel often leads to infrastructure development in the surrounding areas. This can include better roads, transport links, and other facilities required to support the hotel and its potential guests. Such infrastructure upgrades can benefit tourists and local residents.
“In terms of job creation and economic growth, a luxury hotel requires a substantial workforce to manage its operations, including front desk staff, housekeeping, culinary teams, and maintenance staff. By building a five-star hotel, the town creates job opportunities for locals, leading to reduced unemployment rates and overall economic growth. A five-star hotel will increase investors’ interest. The presence of a five-star hotel can attract other investors such as developers, restaurateurs and retailers, who may want to capitalise on the growing tourism industry in the town. This can lead to further development and investment in the area, thereby boosting the local economy.
“A five-star hotel will surely attract international sporting events. This is because international sporting teams, athletes, and officials often prefer five-star hotels. By having a luxury accommodation option, the town can increase its chances of being selected as a host for major sporting events or tournaments. This brings prestige, media coverage, and economic benefits to the town. The construction of a five-star hotel may lead to the improvement and development of local facilities and amenities such as restaurants, cafes, shopping centres, and recreational areas. These enhancements enrich the overall experience for tourists and residents alike. Building a five-star hotel in a town with tourism potential, international sporting ambitions, and a desire to attract investors can bring several benefits, including increased tourism revenue, job creation, enhanced destination attractiveness, improved infrastructure, and increased investor interest.”
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Obaseki, Andrew Okungbowa, also stated that having a five-star hotel in Edo State would bring many economic benefits to the South-south state. Okungbowa said: “Some of the potential advantages of a five-star hotel include tourism and hospitality industry growth as it will attract tourists and visitors from within Nigeria and from abroad. This influx of tourists can lead to increased spending on accommodation, dining, shopping, and other services in the local economy. As the hospitality sector thrives, it creates job opportunities for the locals such as hotel staff, tour guides, drivers and more.
“Building and operating a five-star hotel requires a significant workforce, ranging from construction workers during the building phase to hospitality professionals once the hotel is operational. This will help to reduce unemployment rates and contribute to the overall economic well-being of the people. The presence of a high-end hotel can boost demand for locally-produced goods and services. Local suppliers of food, beverages, furniture, linens, and other items may benefit from having a prestigious client like a five-star hotel.
“To support the hotel’s operations, there may be a need for better infrastructure such as improved roads, transportation networks, and utilities. This will, in turn, lead to overall infrastructure development in the area, benefiting not only the hotel but also other businesses and residents. As the hotel generates revenue from its operations, the government can benefit from increased tax revenue. This additional income can be reinvested in public services, education, healthcare, and other areas which will further stimulate economic growth.
“A five-star hotel, with ample conference and event facilities, can attract business conferences, exhibitions, and meetings. This brings in business travellers who are likely to spend on accommodation, dining, and local transportation, contributing to the local economy. Having a prestigious five-star hotel in Edo State will enhance its reputation and image on national and international levels. This, in turn, will attract more investors and businesses to the region, leading to additional economic growth. If Edo State’s economy is primarily reliant on specific industries, such as agriculture or natural resources, the establishment of a five-star hotel will diversify the economic base. A robust hospitality sector will act as a stabiliser during economic downturns in other industries.”
However, Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Col. David Imuse (rtd), described the proposed five-star hotel as a misplacement of priority, with Obaseki’s second term set to expire on November 12, 2024.
Imuse said: “Instead of prioritising crucial infrastructural developments, Obaseki has chosen to build supermarkets and hotels all over the state. These actions demonstrate a clear lack of vision, responsibility and a disregard for the well-being of the people of Edo State. It is unacceptable that the governor will prioritise personal interests over addressing the urgent needs of Edo residents’ infrastructure.”
He also accused Obaseki’s administration of failures and mismanagement, while declaring that it was disheartening to see petty politics being played by the state’s governor when the lives and safety of innocent Edo residents were at stake.
He said: “Over N16 billion was refunded to Edo State under the watch of Obaseki for the federal roads fixed by his predecessor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, during his tenure as governor. An additional N21 billion was given to Edo State from the oil derivation funds, intended for oil-producing states such as ours for infrastructural development. What we know is that Obaseki presided over the (alleged) misappropriation of these monies; without recourse to the critical sectors of our living.”
Imuse also accused Obaseki of abandoning his responsibilities, while playing dirty politics.
“We urge the people of Edo State not to be deceived by the propaganda and political games of the Obaseki administration. The burning question Edo people should ask Obaseki is ‘what did he do with the N16 billion refunded to Edo State by the Federal Government, as money used by his predecessor to repair federal roads, coupled with the N21 billion derivation funds? We must see through these falsehoods and hold Obaseki accountable for his failures. His lamentation is the last kick of a dying horse. The APC-led Federal Government remains committed to working for the betterment of Edo State and its residents.”
