… ‘Benin Enterprise Park Project on course’

…govt parleys MDAs, seeks communities’ support on projects

The Chairman of the Benin Port Project, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, has said the government is making steady progress with the development of the Benin Port Project, noting that the groundbreaking ceremony for the project will be performed in the third quarter of 2023.

Ogbeifun disclosed this during a one-day workshop, held alongside the Project Manager, Benin Enterprise Park Project (BEPP), with various representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the State, to harmonize activities of various agencies of government working for the success of both projects.

Speaking at the workshop, organised at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Ogbeifun said, “The reason for this workshop is community engagement as the project is domiciled in areas comprising various communities. They would be impacted both positively and negatively. Developing the projects, the communities must be carried along for smooth and seamless cooperation that will lead to the success of the projects.”

“We want the communities to know that they are recognized and the government cares for them. This workshop is necessary for the various MDAs and ministries to look at the content of the projects and community participation as they will benefit in the area of health, infrastructure, education, roads, and water amongst others. We urge them to participate and own the project.”

He added, “The groundbreaking of the Benin River Port Project should take place this year, maybe as early as August this year. The project will be in two phases and we are estimating the projects between 24 to 36 months for it to be completed as a port.”

On his part, the Head of Benin Enterprise Park, Engr. Emmanuel Igbinaduwa, said the BEPP is a huge project sitting on 997 hectares of land, comprising commercial, residential, and manufacturing concerns.

He noted, “This workshop is to bring all stakeholders together for a conversation that will help own, plan, and deliver on this project seamlessly. Edo State Government wants to execute this project and get it down and not for it to be an abandoned project, and all stakeholders must run seamlessly, ensuring the project is finished within the scope, budget, and schedule.”

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication and Orientation, Barr. Solomon Imohiosen, while commending the governor stated that, “Edo is one of the States that will soon have a lot of shipping activities when these huge projects are completed. These are legacy projects for the State as no State has done these kinds of projects before in Nigeria. As a ministry, our own role is to enlighten the people to know the benefits of the projects.”