By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has said that Ojaja Mall represents more than commerce.
The mall is a newly unveiled mixed-use complex in Lagos, combining a shopping mall, multiplex cinemas and a full-service hotel under one roof.

According to Ogunwusi, “It gives me great pride to see Ojaja Mall completed and fully subscribed. “This mall represents more than commerce; it embodies culture, empowerment, and progress.

Speaking at the opening and handover ceremony of the 300-shopping complex with a 30-room boutique hotel, cinema hall, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the project would bolster the state’s Gross Domestic Product and expand employment opportunities.

Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his Senior Adviser on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, said that such private-sector initiatives complement official efforts to bridge the state’s three-million-unit housing deficit, saying that with a population now estimated at over 23 million, cannot rely on government resources alone to meet housing demand.

She said: “We are calling on more partners like the promoters of this mall. The state has land, join us to narrow the deficit. This is something the government is proud to associate with.

“I would say that the Lagos state government is doing everything possible for us to house as many people as we can. Lagos state government cannot do it alone. We have a population that is densely populated and is still growing by the day.

“In terms of rent, I have been advocating that realtors and agents and brokers must not charge more than 10 percent of agency fees. If you do, you are extorting the populace and the Lagos state government will not fold their arms and look at you extorting its citizens.

Earlier, Group Managing Director, Digital Space Capital, Dr. Olubukola Abitoye, said that the completion of the mall represents fulfillment of a dream, saying: “Ojaja Mall is now a thriving symbol of commercial excellence. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our subscribers, realtors, and the royal household for believing in this vision. As we hand over keys, we invite you to stay with us for greater opportunities ahead”.

Also speaking, Managing Director, Emison Real Estate, Mr. Gabriel Egwuatu, said with the project they have been able to bridge lifestyle and hospitality to improve return on business to investors.

“One of the things that stands out and makes it special is the fact that this is the first mall of this size with a boutique hotel of over 30 rooms and even apartments. So, we wanted to increase the return on investment for the investors, we added the extension one and extension two to increase the number of shops and then added the hotel.

“There’s no mall in Lagos that has that, aside from the fact that it has the cinema and over 300 shops. The thing that stands out is the fact that we’ve been able to bring so much in one, from leisure to hospitality, to a wonderful shopping experience and entertainment,” he said.