The Chairman of Heirs Holding, Tony Elumelu, yesterday unveiled ongoing plans to further transform the Central Business District of Lagos with the construction of “Falomo Mall”.
Taking to Twitter, the Nigerian businessman shared design images of the proposed edifice, which is also intended to house the Transcorp Hotel, Lagos, with 600 rooms. Although he did not disclose when construction works will begin, Elumelu urged Nigerians to be expectant. See his tweet below:
https://twitter.com/TonyOElumelu/status/1234526002837098497
Note that this announcement is coming just days after the commissioning of Afriland Towers which will now serve as the corporate head office of Afriland Properties Limited, another Tony Elumelu company. Interestingly, Afriland Towers is also located within the Lagos Central Business District that Heirs Holdings is committed to re-developing.
As Nairametrics earlier reported, the commissioning of the 8-floor office complex took place on Friday, February the 28th. The event was attended by many dignitaries, including the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
(READ MORE: Tony Elumelu and his disposition towards female bosses)
Commenting further on this development, Elumelu stated that it is a thing of joy to watch his company drive the transformation of the Central Business District. According to him, Afriland Towers is now located on a popular landmark which was previously known as Raymond House.
Elumelu also recalled how, as a young banker, he used to view Raymond House as the very symbol of Nigeria’s “vibrant financial sector”. Perhaps, this explains why the building served as the first headquarters of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc which Elumelu once headed as CEO, and now serves as its Chairman. He said:
“As a young banker, I viewed Raymond house, now Afriland Towers, as a symbol of the vibrant financial sector of Nigeria. Standing tall in the heart of Lagos, on Broad street, this heritage building is representative of Nigeria’s business and commercial capital.”
In the meantime, Nigerians cannot wait for Falomo Mall to launch. In his response to Elumelu’s Twitter thread, Andrew asked the same question on everyone’s lips: how soon can this mall be ready?
How soon sir? Can't wait to see.
— Andrew (@drewe20) March 2, 2020
Upon its launch, Falomo Mall will add up to the growing list of malls and supermarkets that currently operates in Nigeria’s commercial capital city. This is expected to give shoppers more options to decide where to buy their essential products.
The author is incorrect in respect of the Transcorp Hilton Lagos. It will NOT be located within the Falomo Mall (which is on the location of the old and since-demolished Falomo Shopping Centre on Awolowo Road in SW Ikoyi). Rather, the Transcorp Hilton Lagos is being developed on Glover Road in old Ikoyi.