The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has performed the groundbreaking ceremony of ‘The Lagos Arena’, a proposed 12,000-capacity arena in Victoria Island to boost the tourism sector in the state.
The Arena will be the first of its kind in Nigeria and will serve as a home for major international entertainment and sporting events in the city.
Speaking at the event Governor Sanwo-Olu said the project which is a partnership between a private consortium and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will boost his administration’s plans for the entertainment, tourism and sports industries.
The landmark event was attended by stakeholders, partners, esteemed Nigerian music artists among others.
The consortium delivering the project includes Tayo Amusan, Chairman of The Persianas Group, the NSIA, Live Nation the world’s leading live entertainment company, and global sports and entertainment company Oak View Group.
The consortium plans to create a monumental centre for entertainment and sports, with hotel and ample parking space.
The design of the project will allow for a diverse range of events including performances by both Nigerian and foreign music shows, family entertainment, basketball games, UFC fights, boxing matches, WWE shows and so much more.
Sanwo-Olu expressed his administration’s commitment to suppprting the entertainment, tourism and sports industries which he said are very powerful in unifying th people.
Tayo Amusan, Chairman, Persianas Group said: “Project Arena has been a long time coming and it is an honour to bring this project to life.”
He said the plan had been in the offing for about fifteen years and praised Nigerian artists for their great exploits globally which he said have given Nigeria a great positive image. He said it is because of the artists that the commercial benefits of the entertainment ecosystem wouldn’t have dawned on investors. He said the Lagos Arena when completed will not only host international events but will also encourage upcoming local artists who will find it handy for performance before they start hitting other international performance centres like the O2 Arena in London and others.
Aminu Umar-Sadiq, CEO, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, said: “We are excited to be a part of this watershed moment with great potential to re-position the Nigerian entertainment sector.
“This groundbreaking ceremony is the culmination of extensive planning, collaboration and dedication of all parties involved.”
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, said the groundbreaking of the Lagos Arena will offer the opportunity for sports an entertainment to engage and get together. “And that’s in itself is the future for both sports an entertainment. I believe the Arena offers us as a country am opportunity to become an international event destination”, he said.
