FUNSHO AROGUNDADE
Renowned Clergy and entrepreneur, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo has underscored his commitment of transforming Lagos into a global hub of sophistication and leisure with the launch of his second legacy luxury estate project in Ibeju corridor of the bustling Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.
The new sports-themed luxury project named: ‘Makarios Champions Place’ was unveiled at an official launch and groundbreaking ceremony last week, amidst fanfare.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Ashimolowo explained that the project —to be executed by his eponymous firm, Makarios Luxury Properties Ltd.— is beyond building structures but creating real, lasting value for investors and homeowners with strong emphasis on community living.
He said the Makarios Champions’ Place is designed to offer a unique blend of residential plots and modern apartment living in a football-themed, family-oriented environment.
“We have named this place Makarios Champions’ Place, number one, because of Nigerians’ love for sports. Two, we want to present an estate that brings Nigerians together. That’s the reason behind our unique theme built around ‘4Fs’ which stands for family, friendship, fun, and football,” Ashimolowo told P.M.EXPRESS.
With 450 plots sitting on 23 hectares, the new estate will have 14 internal streets to be named after popular English Premier League clubs: already the first street is named Chelsea Street, followed by Manchester, Liverpool, Crystal Palace, and others.
“Picture yourself waking up to the sight of energy bursting streets named after iconic football clubs, signaling the start of a day filled with excitement and passion for the game. We are offering more than just luxurious residences; we are providing a vibrant community centered around sports and leisure,” Ashimolowo added.
Nestled in the heart of the new estate is another exclusive estate designed for the ultimate sports enthusiast lifestyle with distinct luxury apartments called ‘The Villagio Apartments’.
Described as a place of tranquility, serenity, and prosperity, ‘The Villagio’ will have 11 buildings —each with 16 to 22 posh apartments including studios on the ground floor offering one, two, and three-bedroom units.
This “estate within an estate” is strategically being marketed to Nigerians in the diaspora with opportunities for short-term rental income through managed Airbnb services, especially with projections that Lagos will become one of the world’s largest cities by 2050.
“Real estate demand in Lagos is not a trend. It is a demographic certainty. The demand is structural, driven by population growth and urban migration. There are even projections that Lagos could become the world’s largest city by 2050. This trend is a driver of future real estate demand,” Ashimolowo said as he disclosed that about 46 apartments —out of about 200— had already been sold after roadshows in New York and London.
He assured that the estate infrastructure and energy plans will be top notch while his firm will be offering interest-free payment plans over 24 months as part of efforts to make the development affordable with construction completion expected within 16 to 18 months.
Ashimolowo reassured of Makarios’ commitment to excellence, saying his personal reputation and the Makarios brand are at stake.
On Sunday 9 June 2024, Ashimolowo launched his first luxury estate along the Lagos-Epe Expressway named ‘The Makarios Luxury Place’ located in Aiyeteru, Ibeju.
The swanky housing estate with multiple 10-Storey Towers has over 800 living spaces of various chic apartments and elegant terraced/detached houses with an iconic N6 billion 6,000 square meters Aquatic Park.
As one of Nigeria’s biggest ministers and Senior Pastor of the popular Kingsway International Christian Centre, KICC —an international ministry he founded in London in September 1992— Ashimolowo has demonstrated that he has the heart, motivation and wisdom to combine both church and business realms.
The 74-year-old Osun State-born preacher has wisely navigated these two juxtaposing worlds by displaying a series of entrepreneurial skills which has disrupted the mindset that being a pastor means you have to be impoverished.
He believes God is calling more Christians to influence the business and finance world. And for some decades now, Ashimolowo has been living by example with a tremendous impact.