…Assures of Security, Free Flow of Vehicular Traffic During Yuletide

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has formally received the new tourism master plan for the State that would serve as the guiding document for the diversification of the State’s economy, with clear roles for investors, regulators and the various tiers of government amongst other provisions.
Hon. Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, said this on Thursday after the weekly State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held in Government House, Benin City, the State capital.

According to Nehikhare, the Edo State Government is very serious about creating more opportunities for Edo people in the tourism sector to express themselves and reap the inherent economic benefits.

“We have to exploit the rich cultural heritage bequeathed on us by our forefathers.

“Tourism is the highest employer of labor worldwide and as a State we are blessed with abundant talents, flora and fauna and a rich cultural heritage that we want to key into to bolster our economy.

“The Cultural District will have museums, pavilions and research facilities that will transform our city in the coming months and will pull leg traffic and tourism money to our State. There will be a tourism corridor that begins in Benin City all the way through Edo Central to Edo North Senatorial Districts.

The Commissioner added: “The meeting presided over by the Chairman-in-Council and Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, approved the contracts for the construction of two trailer transit parks, one in Avbiele, and the other in Ahor, to sanitize the truck parking system across the State and provide a suitable place for truck drivers to rest in the course of their journeys.

The reason is that Edo State is the gateway to the South East, South West and South South regions of the country.”

Commenting on the scope of work for the trailer parks, he said “the parks will have terminal buildings, hardstand/ parking lots, drivers’ lounge, offices, washing bay, auto workshops, restaurants, retail stores, public convenience, motel, police post, clinic, ATM Gallery, fuel/ gas stations, fire stations amongst others.

“EXCO also mandated the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) to ensure there is smooth flow of vehicular traffic during the Christmas period with more people arriving the State for the holiday period.

“Furthermore EXCO deliberated on the need to beef up security across the State for a hitch-free Yuletide.”

He added: “We also discussed the new town project and the government is resolute about increasing the land bank in the State for more new towns across the three senatorial districts of the State. By January sales of land will begin in the new town in the Irhirhi-Obazagbon-Ogheghe axis of the State.

“Interestingly, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has borrowed a leaf from Edo State and has commenced its own campaign against land grabbing.

“Edo is on course in this regard and we will not lose steam because land security is crucial to the sustainable development of our dear State.”