Aiyedatiwa inaugurates Sunshine Plaza initiated two years ago by predecessor, Akeredolu

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Wednesday inaugurated the State-owned Sunshine Plaza in Victoria Island, Lagos, started two years ago by former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

The project, managed by the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), was initiated by Akeredolu in March, 2022.

Located at Plot 1226, Ahmadu Bello Way, Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, the aim of the project is to generate additional revenue for the state government.

Thefrontrank reports that Akeredolu while performing the ground breaking of the Sunshine Plaza on March 16, 2022 had bemoaned the abandonment of the state’s property by previous administrations in the state for a period of 25 years.

“Government plans to erect an edifice which the present and future generations will consider enviable. It is going to be the first development at this site in 25 years. It is also the first in the series of our most ambitious projects in the city of Lagos.

“It is our fervent hope that we shall all assemble here in the next 24 months to commission this important project. This investment of N3 billion promises to yield bountiful dividends for the people of Ondo State. Investment in real estate is the current trend in global economy. Our State will avail herself of the immense benefits accruable from it.

“This very land, upon which we all stand, bears testimony to the courage and industry with which we have handled the affairs of the Sunshine State since we mounted the saddle of leadership. It is our wish to always approach issues of governance and development with uncommon courage and determination to succeed. We have come to showcase the exemplary act of industry for which our people are reputed.

“We made a solemn pledge to the people of Ondo State that their welfare and overriding interest shall be the directive principle of the state policy under our watch. As a corollary to this avowal, we proclaimed that there would be no abandoned project by the time we would be leaving office. Today’s ceremony punctuates, significantly, this linear progression in the last five years.

“We take a great measure of pride in this act of redemption. The abandoned building which once stood on this land misrepresented us as a people. Apart from the evidential waste of our commonwealth, it was an abuse of hospitality to the host State. The place constituted a serious security risk to the immediate community as undesirable elements had turned it to their den,” Akeredolu said.

However, Aiyedatiwa while commissioning the SUNSHINE PLAZA on Wednesday, said the completion of the project was in fulfilment of his promise to sustain the legacies of Akeredolu, describing the former governor as “a visionary and a man of integrity.”

He said the old structure, inherited from the defunct Western Region, was outdated and unattractive to investors, which prompted the state government, through ONDIPA, to construct a building that represents the new generation.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of ONDIPA, Mr Gbenga Badejo, described the project as a development symbol and revenue driver for the state, commending the government’s vision and commitment to creating a business-friendly environment.

Badejo noted the project’s investment value of approximately N3.3 billion, with seven floors, brand new office building, and facilities including kitchenettes, a terrace, reception, gate house, generator house, and waste managem