Lagos State government has partnered with Persianas Group, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NISA), Oak View Group and Live Nation to build Africa’s first 12,000 capacity multi-purpose event arena to create more jobs.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who stated this at the weekend during the historic ground breaking ceremony of the Lagos Arena in Victoria Island, said the laudable project with not only put Lagos and Nigeria on the global stage, but would also create job opportunities for Nigerians.
“The ground breaking of ‘The Lagos Arena’ at the Palms Mall, Lekki, is inspired by global standards. This purpose-built marvel will have an indoor capacity for 12,000 people, elevating Lagos to the forefront of the global event space.
“Drawing inspiration from iconic arenas around the world yet distinguishing itself, The Lagos Arena is designed to be a jewel in Nigeria’s crown. The aim is to bring Lagos up at par with its global peers, making it a go-to-destination for premier international events,” he said.
The arena will host music, live shows, UFC and WWE events.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, minister of sports development John Enoh and a consortium led by the Persianas Group Chairman, Tayo Amusan, performed the ground breaking ceremony in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
The landmark event was attended by stakeholders, partners, esteemed Nigerian music artists, captains of industries investors home and abroad such as Masai Ujiri, president, Toronto Raptors; Senator John Enoh; Obi Asika, director-general, National Council for Arts and Culture; Dapo Adebanjo, Aminu Umar Sadiq, CEO, NSIA, among others
Earlier, Amusan sad the Arena project will provide over 15,000 jobs when it comes to existence.
He said the consortium plans to create a monumental centre for entertainment and sports, with a hotel and parking space.
“Furthermore, it will usher in a significant time in the country’s music industry and overall entertainment landscape thereby catalysing the continued expansion of Nigeria’s thriving music, sports, and entertainment sector. Additionally, the Arena will develop ancillary businesses around entertainment and sports as it is expected to create over 1500 direct and indirect jobs”, Amusan noted.