Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside the Minister of Sports Development, Mr. John Enoh, today laid the foundation for the construction of ‘The Arena,’ a world-class sports and entertainment centre.
The groundbreaking ceremony signifies a move to bolster the state’s economy, generate employment for youth, and solidify its position as the commercial hub of Nigeria.
The Arena is designed after iconic venues like the O2 Arena and X Arena with a 12,000-seat capacity and intends to host sports events and entertainment shows aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Addressing the gathering, Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged full support to ensure the timely completion of the project.
He commended the creative industry for its audacious efforts in showcasing Nigeria globally, stating, “The creative industry story is a pride to us all. Here we have the talent, we have the boldness to take Nigeria to the world. The creative industry deserves applause from us all.”
The governor assured that his administration would reconfigure the area’s traffic infrastructure to accommodate the anticipated increase in transportation demand when the project is scheduled for completion in December 2025.
President of the Toronto Raptors, Mr Masai Ujuri, expressed optimism about The Arena.
He said, “The Arena would turn the country around, turn Africa around.” He urged both private and public investors to rally behind the project, recognizing its potential to place Nigeria on the global map.
Tayo Amusan, the visionary behind the $100 million project, emphasized that The Arena is more than just a venue; it symbolizes Nigeria’s potential and creative spirit. Amusan highlighted the importance of safety, noting that the facility would provide a secure environment for patrons.
The Arena project, positioned as the Global Home for Afrobeats, is a collaboration involving prominent entities such as “The Persianas Group, Live Nation, global sports and entertainment company, Oak View Group, among others.”
With its groundbreaking, Lagos anticipates a boost in its cultural and economic landscape through this state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex.
Alleluia is the Assistant Editor and Content Writer at LagosPost.ng. She is a prolific writer and editor, she has written features and news stories on Lifestyle, Sports, Business, Politics and B2B marketing. She is also an event coordinator, host and social media content creator.
