Leks Sports NG and Landmark Africa Group Forge $50 Million Partnership for Escola Park Development
In a landmark move for Nigeria's sports and real estate sectors, Leks Sports NG, a premier sports talent development firm, has entered into a strategic 25-year partnership with Landmark Africa Group, the country's leading real estate and hospitality conglomerate. This collaboration focuses on the development of Escola Park, a multi-use sports, lifestyle, and education city with an estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) of $50 million.
Project Overview and Strategic Location
Escola Park is set to be constructed on a prime 22-acre site, equivalent to over 90,000 square meters, strategically situated along the Lagos-Ibadan growth corridor in Ogun State. The project is designed as a sustainable, purpose-built ecosystem that integrates professional-grade sporting facilities, residential areas, and educational infrastructure. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive destination that supports elite athlete development while fostering academic excellence.
Partnership Framework and Expertise
Under the long-term partnership, Landmark Africa Group will provide development and operational synergy to Leks Sports NG, leveraging its extensive portfolio valued at over $150 million. This expertise is expected to institutionalize the asset over the 25-year duration, ensuring the project's sustainability and impact. The partnership marks a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria's sports infrastructure on an international scale.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Ola Oyinlola, Founder and CEO of Leks Sports NG, emphasized the project's significance, stating, "Escola Park represents a shift toward institutional-grade sports infrastructure in Nigeria. Partnering with Landmark Africa Group allows us to deliver a multi-use destination built to international standards – positioning Nigeria as a credible hub for elite athlete development and sports-led education."
A representative from Landmark Africa Group added, "This partnership reinforces our commitment to high-impact, future-facing mixed-use developments. Escola Park is a compelling addition to the Lagos-Ibadan growth corridor, merging sports excellence with our proven model for developing world-class ecosystems."
Legal counsel to Leks Sports NG, Aluko & Oyebode, highlighted the project's structural importance. Ayokunle Adetula, Partner, noted, "This partnership sets a clear and credible framework for building world-class sports infrastructure in Nigeria, providing the governance and continuity needed to turn bold urban ambitions into sustainable, long-term national assets."
About Leks Sports NG
Leks Sports NG is dedicated to bridging the gap between elite sports and academic excellence through its sports talent development and infrastructure initiatives. Since 2021, the firm's flagship program, the Leks Schools League, has scouted over 3,000 student-athletes, creating pathways for Nigeria's brightest talents to enter professional environments. Top prospects transition into the Escola United Football Academy, where they receive world-class coaching and tactical preparation. The firm's "Whole-Person" development model ensures athletes are equipped with physical, intellectual, and social tools for global success, with Escola Park institutionalizing this mission through high-impact infrastructure.
About Landmark Africa Group
The Landmark Group is a creator of business, leisure, and lifestyle destinations, managing over 150,000 square meters of real estate with a group valuation exceeding $150 million. Its flagship mixed-use destination, Landmark Lagos, features retail streets, conference centers, leisure facilities, sporting arenas, offices, and accommodations. In 2023 alone, it welcomed over 3 million visitors and hosts over 80 businesses, employing more than 12,000 people directly and indirectly. The group has received numerous accolades, including awards from the London Stock Exchange, Euromoney Property Awards, and African Property Awards.
