NOC commissions Olympafrica Centre

...Breaks ground on long-awaited Olympic Estate in Lagos

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

The Nigeria Olympic Committee has taken a major step toward grassroots sports development with the commissioning of the Olympafrica Centre in Amuwo Odofin and the groundbreaking of a long-awaited Olympic Estate project in Lagos.

The dual ceremony, held on Wednesday, was performed by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, marking both the formal unveiling of a revitalised community sports hub and the beginning of a residential development nearly four decades in the making.

For years, the Olympafrica Centre had functioned informally as a haven for young athletes in the community. 

Its official commissioning now 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. 

Reconstruction of the football pitch and an eight-lane athletics track is also underway.

President of the NOC, Habu Gumel, reflected on the long journey to this milestone, noting that the 6.7-hectare land, granted by the Lagos State Government in 1990, had faced persistent environmental and funding setbacks.

Despite those challenges, Gumel emphasized that the facility had remained accessible to the “teeming youthful population” of Amuwo Odofin, serving as a critical outlet for sports and recreation.

In a strategic move, the NOC has divided the land into two segments: 40 percent dedicated to sporting activities through the Olympafrica Centre, and 60 percent earmarked for the Olympic Estate. 

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.

The event also drew key stakeholders, including NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade and representatives of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa.

Gumel reserved special appreciation for the Lagos State Government for preserving the land’s Certificate of Occupancy for over 30 years, as well as the International Olympic Committee, ANOCA and the Olympafrica Foundation for their continued support.

With the commissioning complete and construction underway, the project signals renewed momentum in Nigeria’s effort to blend community sports development with modern infrastructure, offering fresh opportunities for young athletes to thrive.