•Smart city berths in Cross River
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
One of the problems facing Nigeria is the inadequacy of cities with modern facilities as obtainable in other climes. However, there is good news: Cross River State is set to play host to a world class smart city project, the Vision Court, Odukpani, near Calabar, the capital of the state.
Designed to offer elite celebrity living, the Vision Court Estate will also host a number of unique features, which will be at par with any modern estate in the world.
Some of the features earmarked for the estate include water and sewage management systems, centralized gas system, commercial hub, co-working spaces, Olympic-standard sports facilities and efficient drainage.
Other features are a smart security system, modern electricity infrastructure, street lighting, hospital, recreational park, luxury resort and a premium hotel, among others.
The project is the first of its kind within the state and aims to be a catalyst for positive change and also create a lasting impact.
The project, which sits on 50 hectares prime land, located within the premises of the former Pamol, is promoted by Everthrive Limited.
Speaking while formally opening the Vision Court Estate, Chief Jonah Ejeh (Chief Obiadada) said he brought the multibillion-naira investment to the state because of its peaceful nature.
He emphasized that the smart city is also designed to show that what is obtainable in other developed societies across the world could be replicated here.
He said: “I brought the investment to Calabar to be able to expand and also because I found out that Cross River is one of the most peaceful states in the country; so bringing such an investment here will be safe.
“Ever since I came here, there is nothing like disturbance. People don’t come to site to collect money for this and that like what is obtainable in other states and I am very happy with that.
“The place is a smart city with digital facilities and we are budgeting between N10 to N15 billion to put into the investment. I’ll be starting in Cross River before also moving to other states.”
He encouraged other investors to look towards Cross River State rather than investing abroad as what happens overseas could also happen here.
Amb. Esther Temitope, the sales head of Everthrive Ltd, in her opening remarks, said the project was the realization of a bold dream to redefine the standard of modern living while making Cross River State a beacon of innovation in real estate.
“At Everthrive Ltd, we are passionate about crafting spaces that are not only functional but also enriching, secure and sustainable.
“Vision Court Estate is a testament to this commitment. From the state-of-the-art facilities, including a central mall, golf course, and security/management office to the serene landscapes that promise peace and relaxation, every detail was designed with our future residents in mind.
“As we cut the ribbon today, we are not just opening the gates to a residential estate, we are opening doors to opportunities, to innovation, and to an elevated standard of living,” she said.
She added that they believe in creating communities, not just buildings and that Vision Court will offer a lifestyle hub where families will thrive, friendships will blossom, and a legacy will be built for generations to come.
The Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, expressed his appreciation to Everthrive for his vision to provide affordable housing in the state.
Governor Otu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Housing, Beatrice Igwe, said his government would continue to support every effort to put a roof over the head of its citizens and reduce homelessness in the state.
The governor, who presented a certificate of occupancy to the investors, requested that materials for the construction be sourced locally.
Also speaking, the Cross River State Commissioner for Lands, Francis Ekpenyong, thanked Vision Court for investing in and promoting the state.
He added that the government had provided all that was needed to ensure the project went smoothly.
In her goodwill message, former senator representing the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, said the project was a miracle.
She said she attracted Vision Court to come and invest in the state to help assist their son, Gov. Otu, to succeed.
She also thanked the investors for coming to invest in a state that was not theirs, saying that was how Nigeria used to be until politics was used to divide it. She assured the investors that Cross River State was a land of peace, happiness and joy.
As part of the formal opening of the estate, a promo was launched that will run till the end of January 2025. It offers investors an opportunity to buy a plot at a giveaway price of N15,000,000 as against N28,000,000 per plot.
It also offers a flexible payment plan.