In his drive to create job opportunities and improve infrastructure facilities in Ondo State, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has commenced work on an 8-floor hi-tec hotel to replace the demolished Owena chalets Motels in Akure.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the 5-star hotel, which held on Friday at the four hectares construction site at Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital, had different personalities from all walks of life gracing the occasion.
In his address, the governor disclosed that the project was established on Public/Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement by the state government and MANUEX Place, a blue chip hospitality organization.
The governor said: “He assured me that I should not worry. I am sure you wouldn’t have started this if you have not had the means.
“You haven shown government and private sector can collaborate. Oil industry has been clamouring for classy hotel where they can lodge and go from there to their oil fields which are closer to Akure and safe to flying from here to the locations.
“We don’t have enough hotels in Akure. Different e-bussiness have sprung up in the state capital.
“We are set to collaborate with private sector to improve the economy of the state.
“This project is done through PPP arrangement with a carefully drafted and signed MoU which took care of public interest.
He, therefore, called on investors to support the state through a security trust fund that would be launched soonest to fund security in the state.
According to the Managing Director/CEO of MANUEX Place, Jide Ipinsagba, the edifice would have two helipads for shuttle services within the state, besides a banquet hall with 3320 seats and amusement park.
Ipinsagba, who is the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ondo North senatorial district in the for coming general elections, revealed that the project is expected to reach completion in the next 18 months.
He said the policy of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration in attracting investment to the state to create employment for youths led to the berth of the resorts, disclosing that the governor wooed him to replicate his business establishments in the state.
Ipinsagba promised to establish replica of the resorts in the six local governments in Ondo North Senatorial District, though with lesser facilities in no distant time.
