Mega-city set to rival Dubai as African developers announce luxury plans
An African city may one day rival Dubai as wealthy developers announce plans to transform the area. Lagos in Nigeria has seen rapid growth in recent years with business plans now aiming to attract high earners who are searching for for sleek, luxurious properties.
Akintola Oladejo, CEO of Prestigious Homes Ltd, is planning to build developments and projects in commercially viable parts of the Nigerian city. According to African business publication How We Made it in Africa, the areas include Banana Island, Victoria Island as well as in the neighbouring city of Lekki.
The Cape Town publication compared the three areas to some of Dubai's most luxurious locations, including Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina.
Businessman Oladejo told how well-known developers who have links with Dubai have been involved with their plans for Nigeria's new mega-city.
Oladejo claimed he is keen to establish high-yield investments catering to Nigerians wanting to invest back in the country whilst also building a luxurious domestic alternative to Dubai.
Speaking at the time, he said: "Diaspora investors are increasingly interested in buying homes in Lagos due to affordability and cultural significance."
He claims his developments will also be an opportunity for people now living outside the country eager to invest in one of the continent's largest economies, reports the Express.
The outlet pointed to completed developments like La Vida estate, a gated community with 40 units, Casa Branco a luxurious three-property building with a swimming pool, and Sutherland Court with its 13 units of 4-bedroom terraces as exemplifying his "commitment to excellence".
Oladejo says he's also seeking to address issues around affordability and financing with zero-interest payment plans for off-plan properties, which he says is "similar to strategies employed by Dubai developers", in a move he hoped would make "luxury living accessible to more people".
Lagos reached "megacity" status under UN guidelines in 1995, when the total city population boomed to more than 10 million.
Today, the city is thought to be sixth most populated megacity on the planet. An estimated 20 million residents live within the roughly 1,200 square miles of the city, with an annual growth rate of 6%.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Oladejo's drive to emulate the rapid rise of Dubai's property market comes as Nigeria's cities are looking to quickly expand to accommodate the population growth, including major project like a vast coastal development under construction on Victoria Island.
The urban influx seen in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt has seen the demand for residential and commercial property soar, as per Nigeria Housing Market.
However, despite the push to attract investment with valuable developments in some areas, Lagos itself has long struggled various issues including traffic congestion, housing shortages, and inadequate public services.
Many of its residents live in informal settlements with limited access to clean water, electricity, and sanitation.
High levels of traffic and public transport systems struggling to keep up with demand have also been an issue, though officials have been working on solutions to manage the city's rapid expansion, including Lagos Rail Mass Transit system to improve transportation, and new housing developments to accommodate the rising population.
However, experts have warned that major investments in infrastructure and city planning are needed to avoid Lagos facing serious challenges as it grows.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
29 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
'Mega comfy' Skechers trainers that 'feel like slippers' are now better than half price
Shoppers rush to buy a 'mega comfy' pair of Skechers trainers that are praised for 'feeling like slippers' as they plummet to under half price in this rare deal As we move into autumn, a pair of trainers will undoubtedly be a wardrobe staple. Whether paired with casual attire or something more formal, the perfect design can be worn repeatedly. Naturally, it's not solely about appearance, as they must also provide comfort. For precisely that reason, Skechers is an obvious choice, and we've spotted one "mega comfy" pair available for better than half price. The footwear brand's Flex Appeal 4.0 Brilliant View Sneakers are currently available for £28.50 on Amazon, reduced from the usual £64, delivering an impressive discount of 55% off the original retail price, reports the Daily Record. It's worth noting that the online giant's reduction applies only to the black with rose gold trim colourway, with sizes available from a two through to 10, including half-sizes. These athletic, lace-up trainers boast Skechers' renowned Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole that maintains foot cushioning, delivering immediate comfort, pressure relief and breathability. Constructed from lightweight mesh material, they also include a shock-absorbing midsole and flexible rubber traction outsole, making them ideal for dedicated fitness enthusiasts who frequent the gym or go jogging. Amazon isn't the sole destination to secure a reduction on new trainers, as Nike is running its own sale, with the sportswear giant's Air Zoom Upturn SC slashed from £89.99 to £53.99, a discount of 40%. If you're on the hunt for something a bit more budget-friendly but still sporty, Sainsbury's has got you covered. The supermarket is offering a variety of styles, including their Navy Knitted Slip-On Trainers, which are a steal at £18 a pair. The Flex Appeal Trainers from Skechers have proven to be a hit, racking up nearly 13,000 reviews on Amazon. Shoppers have lauded them as "so light" that they "don't know they are wearing them." One thrilled customer shared: "Mega comfy. First time wearing I walked for miles. Extremely comfortable, highly recommend." Another glowing review read: "These are great trainers, so light and comfortable, feels like you're wearing slippers!" A similarly satisfied shopper wrote: "Fantastic trainers feel like a pair of slippers don't Know you're wearing them. Lightweight and support your feet." However, the design might not be the best fit for those with pain-related issues needing extra support. As one three-star reviewer noted: "I have plantar fasciitis so will need to revert to the arch fit style. Look lovely though." In contrast, another pleased customer stated: "I will only wear Skechers trainers as they are the comfiest and longest wearing trainers. These trainers are great. "I had concerns over sizing as I have never purchased trainers through Amazon before. The fit is perfect and true to size. Comfy from first wear! Bought them for under £40, bargain!"
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Historic artefact from Battle of Culloden sells for almost £19,000 at auction
It is engraved with the words 'Ogilvy Culloden 16 April 1746' A rare artefact recovered from the battlefield at Culloden has sold for nearly £19,000 at auction, far surpassing expectations. A cannonball, a rare piece of Jacobite history, engraved with the words 'Ogilvy Culloden 16 April 1746' , had been expected to fetch between £3,000 and £5,000. However, fierce bidding at Lyon & Turnbull's Scotland Collected sale in Edinburgh on Wednesday (August 20) drove the final price to £18,900. The battlefield relic was not the only standout item. A brocaded gown, reputedly worn at the Palace of Holyroodhouse by Lady Margaret Ogilvy, wife of David Ogilvy, 6th Earl of Airlie, sold for £20,160, almost double its estimate of £8,000 to £12,000. Both items formed part of the Airlie Collection, a selection of more than 80 lots from the Ogilvy family, Earls of Airlie, who played a notable role in Scotland's Jacobite history. John Mackie, head of sale for Scotland Collected at Lyon & Turnbull, said the auction had attracted huge attention due to the remarkable provenance of the objects. 'It was an honour to handle these items which have a direct link to such an important part of Scotland's history. "These pieces which sold today stood out in terms of both provenance and condition and so it was no surprise that there was such a great deal of interest leading up to the sale. "The Airlie Collection featured objects with a link to well-known Scottish figures which heightened the appeal to buyers at home and abroad,' he said. The cannonball itself is a solid iron sphere fitted with a silver collar and moulded rim, bearing the engraved date of the Battle of Culloden: 'Ogilvy Culloden 16th April 1746'. The conflict, fought near Inverness on that date, marked the bloody end of the 1745 Jacobite rising. Around 1,600 men were killed in less than an hour as government troops crushed the forces of Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. The gown, linked to Lady Margaret Ogilvy, carries its own powerful historical resonance. Lady Margaret was a committed supporter of the Jacobite cause and, according to tradition, wore the dress at a ball hosted by Prince Charles Edward Stuart at Holyrood Palace in 1745. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The garment has been on long-term loan to the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for the past century. Most recently, it was displayed in the Queen's Lobby beside the Great Gallery at Holyrood. Its sale alongside the Culloden cannonball highlights both the enduring fascination with Jacobite history and the strong demand for rare artefacts with direct ties to key figures and moments of Scotland's past. With buyers at home and overseas competing to secure these pieces, the Scotland Collected sale demonstrated once again the deep cultural and monetary value attached to objects that bear witness to pivotal chapters of the nation's story. The prices achieved, which include buyer's premium, underline the growing appetite for tangible connections to Scotland's turbulent 18th-century history and the legends surrounding the Jacobite cause.
Wales Online
5 hours ago
- Wales Online
Scottish soap that lasts 'longer than shower gel' and smells like 'expensive spa'
Scottish soap that lasts 'longer than shower gel' and smells like 'expensive spa' The Òir Soap Bars are plastic free and currently have 15% off. One shopper says they 'lather great' and unlike many traditional soaps are 'not drying on skin' Òir's soaps come in a range of spa-like scents infused with essential oils (Image: Òir) No one enjoys the sight of numerous plastic bottles and containers cluttering up the side of the bath, disrupting the calming aesthetic of the bathroom. To combat this visual mess, shoppers are swapping shower gels for a plastic-free alternative that leaves their bathroom 'smelling like an expensive spa'. It may seem a bit 'back to basics', but soap bars are experiencing a revival. One brand in particular is being lauded by customers for lasting 'way longer than a shower gel' while being 'cruelty-free and sustainable'. Independent Scottish brand Òir - pronounced oar, meaning 'golden' in Gaelic - is creating handmade soaps that are becoming popular among those wanting to reduce plastic use without sacrificing quality or luxury. They're currently offering a discount, perfect for trying the brand for the first time, or saving on festive expenses. To motivate more people to make the switch, Òir is currently offering 15% off any purchase with a special discount code. Plus, free delivery is available on all orders over £30. Running until 30th September, anyone who uses the code OIR15 will see their price reduced at the checkout. Each soap bar is priced at £12.50 and comes completely plastic-free, vegan, and palm-oil free, fragranced exclusively with essential oils. The soaps showcase stunning designs, tinted with clay and activated charcoal. Offered in various fragrances, plus an unscented option for delicate skin, Òir's soaps are crafted to be enduring, outlasting typical shower gel bottles. The blend incorporates cocoa butter and shea butter, making it 'super moisturising' without causing skin dryness reports the Daily Record. Upgrade your shower experience £12.50 £10.60 Òir Shop here Product Description You can shop the lemongrass, clary sage, rosemary hand and body soap at Òir. Meanwhile, AKT presents a body wash concentrate for £26 that includes skin-balancing prebiotics, moisture-locking olive squalane and nourishing vitamin E. Created without added water, it provides a three-times concentrated formula that springs to life in the shower. Additionally, Wild is retailing their natural refillable shower gels with a case and refill starting from £15.40. The cases are priced at £12 and can be topped up with your preferred scented shower gel when more is required. Òir soaps have been earning praise from customers who adore the fragrances. Commenting on the lemongrass, clary sage, rosemary hand and body soap, one buyer remarked: "Bathroom smells like an expensive spa. Stopped using shower gels years ago and tried various soaps and this is by far my favourite so far. Smells great, lathers well, not drying on skin and lasts." Now is a great time to snap up an Òir soap as a Christmas gift as there's currently 15% off "I use Oir soap every day," said a fan of the cedarwood, clary sage, rose geranium, vetiver hand and body soap. "It smells amazing and to know that it's free of nasties, cruelty-free and sustainable makes it the perfect soap. It lasts way longer than a shower gel and smells sooo much better." One customer expressed their dissatisfaction with the size of the soap, stating: "The scent is really good but I'm finding the size a bit big for my little hands. So much so I won't be buying any more." However, the brand suggests cutting the bars in half before use to make them easier to handle. Another shopper, a fan of the peppermint, lavender, patchouli, tea tree hand and body soap, shared: "This is the second Òir hand and body soap I've had. Got one for Xmas and just had to have another. Smells stunning and lasts. Moisturising too. My shower room smells of it too. Will definitely be sticking with Òir." Article continues below Whether you're new to bar soaps or a long-time advocate, looking to reduce plastic waste in your home, conscious of what you're putting on your skin, or simply seeking thoughtful and sustainable Christmas stocking fillers, Òir could be a fantastic choice. You can shop scented and unscented soaps at Òir.
