Joel Osaigbovo Aluge, Reporting
Benin City, Edo State
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for better collaboration with the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) to sustain the gains recorded by his administration in the built environment sector and drive further development in the sector.
Obaseki gave the charge when he received the NIESV Council led by its National President, Johnbull Amayaevbo, who were on a courtesy visit at Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Obaseki, represented by his Deputy, Omobayo Marvellous Godwins, commended the Council for choosing Edo as the destination for its 53rd annual conference, acknowledging the economic benefit of the conference to the State, especially in the hospitality Sector.
He said, “I want to thank the Association for the multiplier effect of the Conference holding in Benin City on the economic output in the State. It will affect the State and its people positively, especially in the hospitality business which will receive high patronage while the Conference lasts.
“I have listened to you carefully and for me, this is not a courtesy visit but a thank you visit as all you have come here to do is to thank the governor for what he has done for your association. In no paragraph in your speech were you are asking the government for something. This means that the Obaseki-led administration has done 100 percent.
“When you work with a man with a vision who has the development plan with him, he will surely welcome those that will help him achieve his vision and plan for the state. The master plan is very important to the state and it’s very important to revive it and improve on it, so as to put the state on the path of development. This prompted the governor to come up with the 30-year Benin and Regional Master Plan.”
Commending the Council chairman as the first Edo person to have attained the feat, Obaseki said, “The NIESV is a noble institution with a high reputation because of what it stands for in the society. We are happy that after 53 years of its existence, you are the only Edo man to become the president of the Council and I thank you for bringing the Conference to Benin City, Edo State. We know that your tenure will open more chances for Edo people to lead this body.”
The governor further called for improved collaboration between the Edo State Government and NIESV, describing it as a symbiotic relationship that will continue to improve the built environment.
For his part, the National President of NIESV, Johnbull Amayaevbo said, “We are here in Benin City for the 54th Annual Conference as the Conference begins tomorrow 18th of April 2024 as the governor plays a crucial role as the Special guest of honour. We have international speakers from America, Europe, and Asia. The theme of the conference is, ‘Nigeria’s Trillion Dollars GDP Dream: Harnessing the Wealth of our Land.’
“For this Conference, all the hotels in Benin City are fully booked and flights into the City are now difficult to book-this is what we have brought into the State. Our presence in the city has boosted economic activities in the City and State in general.”
Commending Obaseki’s impact on various sectors of Edo’s economy, the NIESV President noted, “I am currently doing my senior executive course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategy. Most of the facilitators are using the Edo model, x-raying the successes recorded in various sectors of Edo State by the Governor. I am proud because of the work of Obaseki.”