Lagos: El-Salem Homes International, in partnership with Wemabod Ltd., held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Awo Technology Mall at Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday.
The mall project redevelops the Awolowo Glass House into a world-class technology and enterprise centre.
The old building was demolished in 2024 to create space for the new development.
At the event, El-Salem Homes Managing Director Mr Ben Ojo said the mall will be a one-stop hub for all technology needs, both software and hardware.
He said the project would take 30 months to complete, after which it would undergo six months of test operations before full launch.
Ojo said the strategic location informed the redevelopment, adding that the new mall will offer a fully enclosed market environment.
He praised President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their support and investments in the tech sector.
“The Awo Technology Mall is a transformative redevelopment initiative,” Ojo said.
Managing Director of Wemabod Ltd., Mr Bashir Oladuni, said the project fits into the firm’s five-year redevelopment strategy.
Oladuni explained that partnering with El-Salem Homes is a risk-sharing financing model with a credible and experienced developer.
He assured Lagos residents that the project would be delivered on schedule and to high standards.
Wemabod Ltd. is a subsidiary of Odua Group Ltd., which is owned by the South-West state governments.
Group Chairman of Odua Investment Company Ltd., Mr Bimbo Ashiru, said the Awolowo Glass House was built 47 years ago at N2.9 million.
Ashiru said the current redevelopment is part of efforts to rejuvenate moribund assets and boost the group’s revenue base.
He stated that the new Awo Mall, a seven-story complex, is estimated to cost N5 billion to construct.
Ashiru said the original structure had outlived its design life, necessitating a stronger, more modern facility with enhanced aesthetics.
Oscar Ehirim, General Manager for Home Ownership and Mortgage at El-Salem, said local materials and Lagos residents would be prioritised.
He added that investors would enjoy short-term returns due to the site’s central location within Ikeja.
Chief Mbakwe Chinedu, Telecom President and Igbo leader in Computer Village, praised the vision behind redeveloping the 47-year-old building.
Chinedu, who also leads the Awo Mall Sales Team, stated that the location will enhance business activity in Ikeja.
Nike Akinrinde, Project Director at El-Salem, said the mall will feature six storeys and a basement for underground parking.
She said it will include retail shops, offices, cinemas, recreational centres, and various shop categories across multiple levels.
Akinrinde added that the facility will include underground and ground-level parking for 200 cars, escalators, lifts, digital boards, and eco-friendly infrastructure.