Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State performed the Turning of the Sod of Havilah Villas, one of the several estates that would comprise Gateway City. Amid pomp and pageantry, the state government set out to actualise its vision, 'to grow' the 20,000 hectares stretch spanning Isheri-Ojodu to the Sagamu Interchange into a modern urban centre that sets the pace in estate development. Inded, Havilah Villas is a joint venture development between Gateway City Developoment Company and the firm of Grant Properies Limited. The initial phase of 458 units comprising 106 four-bedroom semi-detached structures (each going for N25.5 Million), 264 four-bedroom terrace houses (N17.5 Million per unit) and 22 five-bedroom houses (N37.5 Million) would occupy 30 hectares allocated to Grant Properies Limited in Gateway City. Also, 10 units of 4-bedroom luxury bungalow at 15 Million, and 64 units of 3-bedroom flats at 15.5 Million.
This phase, in respect of which construction work would span 12 months is estimated to cost N3.5 Billion upon the development of the entire 5,000 units earmarked for Havilah Villas. A deed of assignment is passed on to the beneficiary. Gateway Bank Plc is financing the project, which is equipped with squash and lawn tennis courts, swimming pools, police station, medical centre, security network, treated water, street lighting, satellite television and road network/drainage system along with an insurance policy scheme.
Extolling the virtues of the Ogun State leadership, the Grant Properies Limited Chief Executive, Rev Olajide Awosedo declared, 'This is another milestone in the life of Grant Properies Limited, courtesy of an administration that is determined to transform the socio-economic well being of its people and the geographical landscape of the state to an appreciable degree of vibrancy. Indications are that the project promoters are about to market the ambitious scheme beyond the nation's shores, going by a forum planned for next week in the United Kingdom, where the Nigeria Trade and Investment Centre (NTIC) will play host to a delegation led by Governor Daniel. The highlight of the trip is the official unveiling of Gateway City at the Marriott Hotel in Kensington. The dinner reception sponsored by Grant Properies Limited is expected to create an opportunity for the NTIC to present a platform for Daniel to share his vision of the estate to prospective foreigh investors and high networth Nigerian professionals and entrepreneurs wishing to partner in the development of the project.
Culled from The Punch Newspaper, Monday August 16, 2004