Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Wednesday, commissioned the Sunshine House in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The project, initiated by the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), aims to generate additional revenue for Ondo State.
During the event, Aiyedatiwa honored the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who passionately started the project. He expressed deep emotion, describing Akeredolu as a visionary and a man of integrity, and paid tribute to him as a great friend and brother.
“It is with immense pleasure and a profound sense of pride that I commission the Sunshine House, a symbol of progress and innovation, Since 2020, I have been closely involved in the government’s activities, always striving to improve alternate revenue sources for the state. A game-changing project like the deep sea port was approved under this vision.” Aiyedatiwa said.
He mentioned that the building, inherited from the old Western Region, was outdated and unattractive to investors. This prompted the state government, through ONDIPA, to construct a building that represents the new generation.
“We are presenting the real estate industry with a new wine in a new bottle. Ondo State is progressive, as demonstrated by this building, a testament to our administration’s success.” He said
He said despite economic challenges, the project management team did not demand additional funds. Aiyedatiwa appreciated their efforts, thanked Lagos State and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their support, and expressed confidence that the building would continue to attract investors.
Aiyedatiwa emphasized Ondo State’s attractiveness for investment, citing its rich natural resources and vast arable land. He also highlighted the state’s commitment to fostering industrial growth and enhancing infrastructure, including road networks and port development, to support business operations. He assured robust support for investors through favorable policies and partnership opportunities, noting the state’s skilled and youthful workforce as a key asset.
He assured his cabinet members that the Sunshine house is a source of pride, and many more projects will be commissioned across Nigeria and beyond.
Earlier in welcome address, CEO of ONDIPA, Gbenga Badejo, described the project as a development symbol and revenue driver for the state. He commended the governor’s vision and commitment to creating a business-friendly environment.
Badejo noted the project’s investment value of approximately 3.3 billion Naira, with seven
floors, brand new office building, affording a total of 2,760 M2 divisible into floors into 460M2 and facilities including kitchenettes, staircases, a terrace, reception, gate house, generator house, and waste management system, located near Eko Atlantic City.
The project manager, Gbenga Olaniyan recalled that on March 16, 2022, Aiyedatiwa the then deputy governor inquired if the project could be completed in two years. Though initially skeptical due to potential contractor issues, Olaniyan praised God for the project’s success and encouraged collaboration with the governor to further develop the state.
The project developer, Akintola Oladejo highlighted the seamless transition between the late governor and Aiyedatiwa, who completed the project without issues. He affirmed the project’s solidity and benefit to end users.
He reiterated their commitment to ensuring the building’s success and encouraged continued collaboration with the governor to improve Ondo State.
In his goodwill message, SA on entrepreneur, Summy Smart, praised the governor for maintaining the state’s progress and highlighted the project’s strategic importance for revenue generation. He anticipated continued positive developments under the governor’s leadership.
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, in his goodwill message, reflected on his tenure and the significant developments since then. He acknowledged Ekiti State’s compensation with a building in Ikeja and expressed a desire to secure similar benefits for Ekiti, while congratulating Aiyedatiwa for continuing the legacy projects of the late governor Akeredolu.