—As FCMB reiterates support for creative sector

By Henry Ojelu

Auldon Toys, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Paul Orajiaka, has launched a groundbreaking N8 billion children’s experience centre in Lagos marking a decisive shift from wholesale distribution to a retail model designed to connect directly with young consumers and their families.

The centre features a toy supermarket, a comfortable family café, and dedicated classes for children. Beyond retail, it hosts a workshop where clothes are sewn for dolls, an assembly line where basic toys are put together, and specialised sections for robotics, physics-inspired games, and creative engineering sessions.

Speaking during a tour of the facility, Mr. Orajiaka said the new centre represents the company’s evolution from a wholesale toy dealer to a retail-focused enterprise offering immersive learning and play experiences.

According to him, the aim is to create a vibrant space where Nigerian children can buy toys, make choices independently, and engage in hands-on activities that stimulate learning.

He said, “Before now, Auldon Toys operated strictly as a wholesale business in the market. But we felt it was time to bring something more personal and impactful to Nigerian children—quality toys, unique offerings, and an environment where learning and play happen together.”

Mr. Orajiaka disclosed that over N8 billion was committed to the facility, describing it as a testimony to innovation and long-term belief in Nigeria’s creative economy.

 “We see an enormous opportunity to expand this across cities in Nigeria and sub-regions. Every child deserves access to quality toys that support learning—no child should be limited by poor-quality products,” he said.

Orajiaka also disclosed that Auldon Toys plans to integrate the centre into Nigeria’s educational ecosystem.

According to him, the company is developing summer programmes that will allow schools to bring pupils for practical sessions on toy assembly, robotics, basic engineering, and doll fashion design.

The goal, he added, is to stimulate curiosity and build foundational skills in science, technology and creativity.

However, Orajiaka highlighted significant challenges faced by private investors in Nigeria, stressing that high infrastructure costs continue to burden SMEs.

He noted that the centre is currently powered largely by diesel generators due to unstable electricity supply—an expense that inflates operational costs.

He urged the government to support private-sector ventures by improving access to reliable electricity, easing regulatory bottlenecks, and offering affordable financing for SMEs.

“Many businesses are forced to build their own infrastructure, roads, water, electricity—and this affects profitability,” he said.

He added that affordable loans and improved credit structures from the Central Bank of Nigeria and commercial banks would help emerging businesses grow faster.

Reflecting on Auldon Toys 27-year journey, Orajiaka noted that access to cheaper funding earlier on would have accelerated the company’s growth considerably.

The Chief Executive Officer, FCMB Group,  Mr Ladi Balogun who attended the unveiling, commended Auldon Toys for investing boldly in Nigeria’s creative manufacturing sector.

He said the bank was proud to support a homegrown brand that has demonstrated resilience, innovation and commitment to local value creation.

According to him, Auldon Toys model aligns with FCMB’s development strategy of helping indigenous enterprises scale sustainably.

He further assured that FCMB would continue to stand behind small and medium-scale businesses operating in niche sectors such as creative manufacturing, retail and light industry.

Nigerian entrepreneurs, he said, require consistent access to financing, advisory services and strategic partnerships to unlock their full potential.

He pledged that the bank would keep backing initiatives that empower children, create jobs and promote economic growth.