Edo
Edo’s N19.5bn Radisson Hotel Investment Sparks Outrage Amid Unmet Basic Needs
The Edo State Government’s decision to invest N19.5 billion in a Radisson Hotel franchise has ignited widespread criticism, with many questioning the prudence of such an investment at a time when the state is grappling with fundamental infrastructural and social challenges.
The controversial decision, taken towards the end of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, has been described by critics as a misplacement of priorities, given the state’s pressing needs in education, healthcare, security, and transportation.
The government raised N17.5 billion through bonds from the capital market, tied to the state’s allocation from the federation account via an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO), in addition to N2 billion drawn directly from the state treasury.
Investments of this magnitude, especially by a state government, are typically preceded by thorough cost-benefit analyses, risk assessments, and evaluations of public interest.
However, many argue that in the case of the Radisson Hotel, such critical due diligence was either insufficient or entirely absent. The decision appears to have been driven more by other motives than the public interest, raising concerns about transparency and fiscal responsibility.
As of November 2024, 11 out of 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo were reportedly cut off from Benin City due to dilapidated road networks.
This isolation hindered the movement of over one million people across Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts. While Governor Obaseki attributed this to federal government neglect, governors in states like Lagos, Delta, and Kaduna invested in federal roads within their jurisdictions to alleviate their citizens’ suffering.
At the time of this hefty hotel investment, Edo’s public schools were grappling with a severe shortage of over 5,500 teachers, according to data from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Although the government initiated a late-stage recruitment drive, it was widely perceived as a knee-jerk reaction. Furthermore, 69% of schools lacked basic infrastructure such as proper classrooms, toilets, and clean water, highlighting glaring neglect in the education sector.
The state’s primary healthcare system was in shambles, with citizens relying heavily on federal institutions like UBTH and Irrua Specialist Hospital for basic ailments such as malaria and dysentery.
Most general hospitals were understaffed, with a critical shortage of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs). Basic amenities like water and electricity were absent in many health centers, while nearly N900 million was reportedly paid to a consultant overseeing renovations at Stella Obasanjo Hospital—a project critics argue was inflated and poorly prioritized.
During the same period, Edo grappled with a spike in cult-related violence, claiming hundreds of young lives between 2023 and 2024. Despite the worsening security situation, the state government invested in used Toyota Sienna buses for security agencies, a move widely criticized as inadequate.
Critics argue that the funds could have been better used to strengthen security infrastructure rather than diverting resources to a luxury hotel project.
In Benin City, several critical urban roads such as Ihama Street, Etete Road, Golf Course Road, Boundary Road, and Adesuwa Street were in deplorable condition. Markets like Oba Market, Ibillo Market, and Ekiosa Market required urgent renovations, while waste management posed a public health crisis.
Despite these glaring needs, the administration prioritized the hotel project, further alienating citizens who felt abandoned by the government.
Critics have also pointed out that Benin City was not lacking in quality hotels, with established private-sector ventures like Protea/Marriot, Otis, View Point, Prestige, and Constantial Hotels already thriving.
The government’s entry into the hospitality sector, therefore, seemed unnecessary and commercially questionable, raising suspicions about ulterior motives behind the investment.
While the ownership and control of the Radisson Hotel remain shrouded in controversy, the state’s public transport system has been left to deteriorate.
Edo City Transport Services (ECTS) continues to rely on an aging fleet inherited from the Adams Oshiomhole administration, forcing commuters to depend on exploitative private transporters. Many argue that investing in modernizing the state’s transport infrastructure would have had a more direct and positive impact on the lives of Edo citizens.
The N19.5 billion Radisson Hotel project is being viewed as emblematic of an administration disconnected from the needs of its people. While Edo citizens were struggling with poor roads, underfunded schools, inadequate healthcare, and rising insecurity, the government opted to channel scarce resources into a luxury hotel venture.
As the controversy continues, many are left wondering whether this investment truly serves the public interest or if it reflects deeper issues of mismanagement and misplaced priorities.
The people of Edo State, who entrusted the Obaseki administration with a second term in 2020, now face the sobering reality of policies that appear at odds with their most urgent needs.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first 100 days in office have been marked by bold reforms and strategic interventions, according to his Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Fred Itua. Addressing the press, Itua highlighted Okpebholo’s achievements across security, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and education, describing them as a solid foundation for Edo State’s transformation.
Determined to rid Edo State of crime, Governor Okpebholo took swift action against cultism, kidnappings, and other violent crimes. The deployment of a Special Tactical Team to Agenebode led to the rescue of kidnapped victims and the dismantling of criminal gangs.
The Governor’s spokesperson indicated that the he also passed a Cultism Prohibition Law in a decisive move to curb violence, which enforces severe penalties on cultists and their sponsors.
According to Itua, this legislation has significantly reduced cult-related killings and restored public confidence in law enforcement.
In the area of Healthcare delivery he said Governor Okpebholo took bold steps to improve on the sector.
Accirding to him, Okpebholo’s administration facilitated the take-off of the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, donating 25 hectares of land to the Federal Government to ensure its success.
The governor also launched the IsDB LLF Support to the Malaria Elimination Project, providing free malaria testing and treatment across government hospitals. This initiative, Itua said, will save lives and enhance public health.
The chief Press Secretary reiterated the fact that Infrastructure remains a priority for the Okpebholo administration. One of the most ambitious projects he said, is the construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin City, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and enhancing urban mobility.
“The governor has also approved rural road construction in Esan Central, Esan West, and other local government areas, improving rural access and boosting economic activities.
“In a historic move to ensure food security, Governor Okpebholo increased the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s budget from ₦5.9 billion to ₦70 billion, an 86% increase.
“The administration has also distributed fertilizers to farmers, supported cocoa seedling cultivation, and approved funds for the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND Project), empowering local farmers.
Explaining further he indicated that Governor Okpebholo’s administration is investing heavily in education.
“He has increased the monthly subvention to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and initiated the revitalization of technical colleges across the state.
“Additionally, his administration achieved program accreditation at Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, and appointed a new governing council for Ambrose Alli University to strengthen leadership and academic excellence.
Fred Itua emphasized that Governor Okpebholo’s first 100 days demonstrate a clear vision for development and a dedication to the people.
“Governor Okpebholo is not just making promises—he is delivering tangible results across sectors. These achievements are only the beginning of a transformative journey for Edo State,” Itua said.
With these accomplishments, Itua insisted that Governor Okpebholo has set a new standard for governance, promising to continue delivering impactful projects that will improve lives and drive economic growth.
The Edo State Government has vowed to prosecute officials implicated in the alleged N96 billion fraud uncovered in the state’s Local Government (LG) system, including former Governor Godwin Obaseki, leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the recently impeached 18 LG chairmen.
Governor Monday Okpebholo made this known while receiving the report of the Administrative Panel of Enquiry, which investigated financial dealings across the 18 LG councils from September 4, 2023, to November 2024.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a statement quoted him to have expressed dismay over the findings, stressing that the days of financial recklessness in public office were over.
Governor Okpebholo vowed to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure swift prosecution of those responsible.
“The administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki took Edo people for granted. They looted the state and channeled resources for personal gains. This time, things are different. We will go after them and retrieve what they have stolen from Edo people.”
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Edo’s development and pledged that his government would not allow corruption to thrive.
Panel Findings indicated that N96bn Mismanaged, N10bn Siphoned Through Fake Accounts
The panel, chaired by Barr. Solomon Imohiosen, uncovered that N95.08 billion was received by the 18 LGs from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) within the period under review, yet no meaningful projects were found to justify the expenditure.
Additionally, over N10.4 billion was fraudulently siphoned under the guise of “Security, Environment, and Training,” with funds funneled into private accounts and companies linked to political godfathers.
“The 18 LG chairmen contributed to a secret account that served as a conduit to divert funds. These transactions were traced to individuals and companies, exposing widespread corruption,” the panel reported.
The panel faced challenges such as late and incomplete financial submissions and deliberate obstruction by council personnel.
Despite these, forensic investigations uncovered fraudulent transactions linked to: Oghomwen Newman Ugiagbe (Former ALGON Chairman), Demarriots Hotels Limited (Owned by Ugiagbe), Ahonsi Ogiegbaen Osifo, Eric Agbonmwanre, Abraham Burma and Dickson Imasogie Notiemwenmwan.
Governor Okpebholo assured Edo residents that his administration would not shield anyone found guilty.
“I will personally take this report to the EFCC and ensure justice is served. Edo people deserve better, and we will not allow corrupt leaders to escape accountability.”
The Edo State Government has pledged full transparency in handling the case, signaling a renewed commitment to accountability and good governance.
To engance broadcasting services, content development, and skit-making, the Edo State Government and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) have announced a partnership to establish a digital hub in Benin City.
The Director-General of NBC, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, disclosed this plan on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, during a courtesy visit to Governor Monday Okpebholo at the Government House, Benin City.
The chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a statement quoted him to have welcomed the collaboration, stating that his administration is committed to creating an enabling environment to support the initiative.
He noted that the NBC’s decision to partner with Edo State and utilize Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) as a platform is a testament to the government’s achievements within a few months in office.
“Edo is a home of history and culture. We have everything here. Your decision to work with us shows you recognize the progress we are making,” Okpebholo said.
NBC boss Ebuebu emphasized that the digital hub will provide a platform for young content creators in Edo State to showcase their talents, monetize their content, and gain national and international visibility.
“Many talented youths have great content but lack the platform to showcase it. This partnership will empower them while also boosting the growth of EBS,” he stated.
EBS Managing Director, Sulaiman Aledeh, praised Governor Okpebholo for reviving the EBS station in Ihievbe, Edo North, which had been inactive for over a decade.
“In less than 100 days, the Governor has reactivated our Ihievbe station, setting the stage for improved Edo-language and Pidgin broadcasting,” Aledeh said.
The collaboration marks NBC’s first such partnership with any state in Nigeria and is expected to expand digital broadcasting and empower content creators in Edo State.
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