Benin City, Tuesday — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has received the report of a five-man committee set up to investigate the state’s investments in the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel projects, assuring that its findings will be fully implemented.
The governor, who received the report at the Government House in Benin City, disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be invited to further examine issues raised by the committee.
According to Okpebholo, Edo State invested over ₦3.8 billion in the MOWAA project and more than ₦28 billion in the Radisson Hotel project, insisting that the state therefore has substantial stakes in both ventures.
He commended members of the committee for what he described as a thorough assignment, noting that controversies surrounding the two projects had caused concern among Edo citizens.
“The issues surrounding MOWAA and Radisson Hotel are disturbing to the people of Edo State. If things had been properly handled in the past, there would have been no need to set up this committee,” the governor said.
Okpebholo explained that changes in the structure and nomenclature of the MOWAA project made the investigation unavoidable, stressing that claims suggesting the state had no stake in the project were unacceptable.
“Edo State has spent over ₦3.8 billion on this project, yet some people claim the state has no stake. That cannot be accepted. We will forward the recommendations to relevant authorities and involve the EFCC to determine what truly transpired,” he stated.
On the Radisson Hotel project, the governor expressed dissatisfaction over reports indicating that Edo State holds only a 10 per cent stake despite investing over ₦28 billion.
“Our investment exceeds ₦28 billion. The EFCC must step in to determine whether this reflects proper business practice,” he added.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, who presented the report, said the committee was constituted about a month ago following discrepancies observed in the ownership structure of the projects.
He explained that the committee obtained relevant documents and compiled its findings into resolutions submitted to the governor for immediate action. The committee was chaired by Hon. Barr. Emankhu Isibor Addeh, representing Esan North East Constituency I.
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also swore in Mr Chris Okaigben as a commissioner, urging him to align his duties with the administration’s SHINE Agenda—Security, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education.
Administering the oath of office, the governor described Okaigben as an experienced and loyal party member, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute to the development of the state.
In his acceptance speech, Okaigben described his appointment as a call to service, pledging total loyalty and commitment to the governor’s vision and to the people of Edo State.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; the Commissioner for Finance, Engr. Emmanuel Okoebor; members of the Edo State House of Assembly; and members of the State Executive Council.
