Senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) Matthew Ashimolowo has unveiled a N6 billion Makarios Aquatic Park located in Aiyeteru, Ibeju along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos.
The project, which is said to be the first multi-sensory aquatic park in sub-Saharan Africa, was launched on June 9 by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Sanwo-Olu said, “With those things that we see in other parts of the world, the inspiring landscape we hear about, bringing them here, the least we can do is to acknowledge and appreciate it. As your governor, we are proud of this masterpiece this evening.
“For us, it is about being an enabler of the greater things to happen. As Lagos continues to be home for all of us, it is also a future we all aspire to. Lagos is not only growing, but it is also a very resilient and forward-looking state.
“When we see investments from our citizens or foreigners coming to the city, we are always very encouraged to support those investments. I assure you that this is the beginning of a lot of things that will be happening at the Makarios.”
Speaking on the inspiration behind the park, Ashimolowo said it was borne out of his experience in Dubai during COVID-19.
Also, he said he observed that whenever he visits Nigeria with his grandchildren, they get easily bored as there are fewer places to take them to.
“It became obvious to me that I could do something and be a part of the legacy. I wanted to be part of the solution and answer this question. People wanted to come to Nigeria but there are no tourist places to visit. That’s what gave birth to this place. I am very glad it has happened. I have lived in the United Kingdom for 40 years —and I still live there. I don’t want to be part of those Nigerians in the diaspora who are always lamenting. That is what most of them do. I want to be part of those solving problems,” said Ashimolowo.
The park opens to the public on June 15, 2024.
