Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have praised the launch of the Ojaja Mall as a bold national idea and a key step for local retail growth.
At the opening ceremony held at Chaplin Court, Lekki Scheme II, Ogombo Road, Ajah, the leaders said the mall, initiated by His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, is one of the first major Nigerian owned retail chains focused on selling Made-in-Nigeria goods, helping local businesses, and offering many new jobs across the country.
Representing the Vice President, Dr. Tope Fasua told attendees that the mall is more than a shopping centre. He said it is a tech driven space meant to support small businesses, give access to AI tools, and encourage young people to try new ideas. He added that the mall’s MSME hub will drive entrepreneurship and support the goal of building a $1 trillion economy. “This project proves that Nigeria is the best place for local talent, enterprise, and digital creativity to thrive,” Fasawe concluded.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said the development marks a new way of retailing that links culture and trade, tradition and modern ideas, and wider access to the economy with a better shopping experience. “It stands as a symbol of confidence in Nigerian enterprise and a statement that our future prosperity will be created by our own hands.”
The governor noted that Lagos is the nation’s commercial centre and that projects like Ojaja Mall help grow markets and spread opportunity. He said the mall supports the state plan to build a modern economy based on local production, organized retail, and added value across supply chains. He also said the mall will give Nigerian producers a clear place to sell and expand, and that this fits the state focus on private sector led growth, new technology, and youth training.
Sanwo-Olu added that the mall will help turn recent infrastructure work into jobs and income for residents. “As we continue to invest in infrastructure roads, rails, ports, power, and digital systems developments like Ojaja Mall transform these foundations into jobs, income, and opportunity. This mall will stimulate tourism, energize the hospitality sector, and strengthen our creative industry,” the Governor said.
He also said the project will create direct jobs and many more roles across retail, hotels, transport, tech, and creative sectors. He called on young people to take up the new chances the mall creates and said the state is ready to back similar projects to grow local output and make the economy fairer and more competitive.
Finally, the governor thanked Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, for leading the idea and showing how local culture can support business and bring modern prosperity.
Im not convinced that a new mall will necessarily boost support for local makers. Lets see how this plays out.
I dont see the big deal. Malls are everywhere. Local makers need more than just praises. Action speaks louder!
I dont get why theyre hyping up a mall opening. Local makers need more than just praise, they need real support!
Im not convinced that a new mall will necessarily boost support for local makers. Lets see how this plays out.