The Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Tunde Poopola, has stated that the Olympic Estate in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, is for all Nigerians, although a portion will be allocated to members of the sporting family. The NOC on Wednesday took a major step toward grassroots sports development with the commissioning of the Olympafrica Centre in Amuwo Odofin and the groundbreaking of the long-awaited Olympic Estate project in Lagos.
Dual Ceremony Marks New Era
The dual ceremony was performed by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, marking both the formal unveiling of a revitalised community sports hub and the beginning of a residential development after nearly four decades. The official commissioning ushers in a new era, with upgraded facilities including a renovated cultural centre, a multi-purpose plateau, a covered spectators' pavilion, modern changing rooms, a security post and a borehole system.
The 6.7-hectare land, granted by the Lagos State Government in 1990, had faced persistent environmental and funding setbacks. Poopola, who spoke with The Guardian on Friday, explained that the land has been divided into two segments.
Land Allocation Details
“What we have now is 40 percent dedicated to sporting activities through the Olympafrica Centre, and 60 percent earmarked for the Olympic Estate,” he said. “The Estate is for all Nigerians, but we are holding talks with the Consultants to see that some members of the sporting family are considered.”
A football pitch and an eight-lane athletics track are being constructed at the Olympafrica Centre. At the ceremony on Wednesday, President of the NOC, Habu Gumel, said that despite several challenges, he was glad the project has become a reality. Gumel stated that the facility had remained accessible to the “teeming youthful population” of Amuwo Odofin, serving as a critical outlet for sports and recreation.
Estate Features and Timeline
The estate, a partnership between Numero Homes Global Resources Limited and Ampharco Estates Nigeria Limited, will combine residential living with integrated sports infrastructure. Plans for the estate include a five-a-side football pitch, multi-purpose courts, a swimming pool, gym, games hall, race tracks and an events centre, alongside three- and four-bedroom maisonettes. Some residential blocks will also be converted into hostel accommodation to cater for athletes and visitors during competitions.
Managing Director of Numero Homes, Omowunmi Olalere, expressed confidence that the project would be completed within 24 months, describing it as a fusion of lifestyle and sports infrastructure designed to maximise community use.
