Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, commissioned the Prestige Parks and Gardens, located at Airport Road, Benin City, in a bid to beautify the city center and afford residents in the community as well as visitors, a good relaxation spot.
In his address during the occasion, the Governor noted that the relaxation centre is one of the nine parks and gardens built by his administration, which will serve both members of the community and visitors.
According to Obaseki, “This is part of the plan of making Edo great again as Benin City was a very planned city. We all have villages and town squares where people relax and have community meetings and social interaction. This place is created to ensure we meet and commune together.
“Edo State is used to things of beauty and we have done our best to maintain it. We are here to change things and not to follow the old order. Edo State must now have open areas where people can come relax and enjoy themselves.”
He added: “We have set up an Agency called, Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency, and urge Edo people to inform us if they see any free space, so we can take it over and beautify it like this.
“We have started with nine like this. We have two in Gapiona and I heard that they are ready, and soon, we will go and commission them. We have another one at Iyoba, we have another at Urora.” Obaseki further prayed future governments to emulate the gesture and construct more parks.
Speaking on the security and maintenance of the relaxation centre, the Governor noted: “We have urged the Nigerian Army to protect it for us. We have also asked the owner of Prestige Hotel to help us maintain this park. And because we see you as a co-owner who will help us maintain the park, we will name it Prestige Parks and Gardens, and are leaving it in your care as you continue to improve on what we have done.
“This park is for the use of members of the public. It is your property as you will join the government to keep it safe and clean. It will be easier to maintain and sustain when we work together.”
