Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, yesterday inaugurated the construction of a N1.651 billion shopping mall and car park being funded by Top Services Nigeria Limited under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) established by his administration.
The projects scheduled to be completed within 15 months, is located within the premises of the state-owned Owena Motels on Igbatoro Road, Akure and close to the state’s multibillion naira event centre popularly called ‘Dome’ project.
Mimiko at the ceremony attended by top government officials, proprietors of the company, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, said the concept is to transform Akure into a Modern Retail Shopping City and an entertainment hub for the state and its environ.
He said while in the process, the project would create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths and graduates, and also for farmers and artisans which would therefore boost revenue generation for the state.
The governor said the company is a reputable company with an impressive track record and experience as witnessed in their shopping mall outlets located at Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Complex in Lagos and the Cocoa Mall in Dugbe, Ibadan, adding that the company is in a cordial working relationship with Retail Supermarket Nigeria Limited, the owner of the famous Shoprite Mega Supermarket in Lekki, Lagos.
“Having this shopping mall here will make it easier for retail businesses in our state to thrive, expand and discourage adulteration as well as excessive spending on transportation and storage. Projects, such as this, will not merely help bring commerce into our state; they will also help to empower the people. They will also help convince investors to bet on the skills of our people.
“This project has the capacity to serve as a true beacon of hope for everyone in Ondo State and it deserves to succeed. I am confident that with Top Services Nigeria Limited on board, our collective responsibilities will be met and our collective aspirations achieved,” he said.
The governor said the project when completed, would not only ensure the steady supply of genuine and affordable goods and services, but would also make Akure a commercial hub.
Mimiko said the project when completed in another 15 months, would complement a brand new five star hotel that will occupy the remaining part of the land formerly occupied by Owena Motels expressing the hope that the hotel would be built and inaugurated before the expiration of his administration.
The governor commended the Directorate of the Public Private Partnership team for facilitating the project, urging them for more of
such projects, which he described as another milestone on the path to develop the state. Thisday
