The Edo State Government has issued a warning to owners of event venues in the state, advising them to obtain proper approval for the facility before opening.
The government would close down any event venue operating without authorization, according to Isoken Omo, the Commissioner of physical planning, urban and regional development for Edo state.
According to her, the action is a part of initiatives to get nuisance out of specific residential zones in the Benin metropolis.
The Commissioner made the statement following the closure of an unauthorized event venue on Ihama Road at Freedom Junction in Benin City.
She said that the venue lacked the amenities necessary to run such a facility in a residential area.
“There is an event centre here that is being used illegally for events with no noise protection, no traffic arrangement and no parking. I have spoken to the owner of this place on several occasions to come and get approval but she has refused. So, we’re permanently sealing the place”, she said.
In light of the numerous complaints the ministry has received regarding the noise and traffic discomfort these locations cause, Omo advised owners of nightclubs and relaxation spots to seek the Ministry’s approval.
Before making reservations at event venues, she advised the general public to request the event centre’s approval.
“The people that have approval from the Ministry are those who would abide by the terms and conditions of that approval so the place would have been developed or constructed to take into cognizance the issues of noise and traffic nuisance.
“This is a notice to the public as well. For event centres, we have told them that if they want to use their places that are within residential areas that are not designated as commercial, they should come to get the right approval, get soundproofing for the noise and make sure that there is adequate parking space.
“For members of the public not to be swindled of their money, whenever you’re going to use an event centre, ensure that the centres have approval from the Ministry.
“If there’s no approval, please do not use it because we will be going around on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and anytime there’s an occasion. If the place does not have approval, we will seal it. So, please, work with us so as not to make Edo State, Benin City, in particular, a slum out of our attitudes and the way we take things.
“Members of the public should be aware that going forward, if we approach anyone who does not have approval for an event centre, we will seal it when the event is on. Be cautioned.”
