The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has inaugurated the Olympafrica Centre and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for an integrated Olympic City project in Lagos.
President of the NOC, Habu Ahmed Gumel, said the initiative would enhance grassroots sports development and talent discovery across the country.
Gumel said the project also integrates a residential estate with a sports environment to promote a sustainable “Live-Train-Play” lifestyle.
“The initiative has unlocked several benefits for sports development, particularly at the grassroots level,” he said.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Olympafrica Foundation, Alassane Thierno Diack, said the centre would provide a structured platform for identifying and nurturing young talents.
Diack said the foundation uses sports as a tool for youth development and community transformation across Africa, in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee.
He added that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s talent pipeline for future participation in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and other international competitions.
Also speaking, Third Vice President of the NOC, Olumide Oyedeji, described the project as the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Oyedeji said the project would encourage more Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles through sports.
The hotnewsroundup.com reports that the 6.7-hectare facility is divided into two zones, with 40 per cent allocated to sports infrastructure and 60 per cent to residential development.
Outdoor facilities at the centre include a cultural centre, multi-purpose court, covered spectators’ pavilion, and an ongoing reconstruction of a football pitch and athletics track.
Indoor facilities include halls for karate, taekwondo, wrestling and weightlifting, as well as courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis.
Gumel said the project would also promote youth engagement and provide a safe environment for community development.
He added that the facility would benefit residents of Amuwo Odofin and surrounding areas.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, commended the NOC for revitalising a 35-year-old underutilised land.
Dikko, who was represented by Musa Ahmadu, said the project demonstrated effective use of sports infrastructure for national development.
Also, former President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Dan Ngerem, said it was significant that the NOC retained ownership of the land over the years.
The land was allocated by the Lagos State Government in 1990 but had remained undeveloped due to funding and environmental challenges.
The residential component of the project is being handled by Ampharco Real Estate and Numero Homes.
A representative of the developers, Omowunmi Olalere, said the project would be delivered within 24 months.
