Inside Pastor Ashimolowo’s N6bn Makarios Aquatic Park

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

At 72 with over 40 years spent in the United Kingdom, many would expect Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo to slow down a bit as his ministry runs smoothly with trusted, efficient associates in charge, play with his grandchildren and enjoy returns from his vast investment both in Nigeria and overseas.

Contrary to the recent tales swirling around about his purported retirement from the pulpit to pursue entrepreneurship, Ashimolowo still holds on to his calling.

For the founder and Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Church, retirement is not a milestone he seeks. He believes God is calling more Christians to influence the business and finance world.

Ashimolowo lives by example and he’s having a tremendous impact. He has been a seasoned real estate mogul with choice properties across the country in his portfolio.

He started acquiring real estate from age 27 with a small parcel of land in Lagos. He grew to acquire several acres of land and properties scattered around Lagos and then expanded to Mowe, Ogun State with about 900 acres of land where he built six estates.

He returned to Lekki where he already owns several properties in Pinnock Beach Estate where he lives in a luxurious, smart-enabled mansion.

He is already making a kill from all his assets and no signs he’s slowing down as the charismatic preacher is committing tens of billions of his monies into a huge innovative project in one of his vast properties in Lagos, Nigeria.

On Sunday 9 June, Ashimolowo’s eponymous firm, Makarios Luxury Properties Limited, delivered an iconic N6 billion Water Display Place —the first multi-sensory aquatic Park in sub-Saharan Africa— situated in Aiyeteru, Ibeju along the bustling Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos.

Spanning an impressive 6,000 square meters, the world-class magnificent interactive water fountain features advanced technology from Oise, a leader in the water entertainment industry, known for its high-quality and innovative water features. It incorporates state-of-the-art Oase Water jets and pumps.

The water fountain is one of the few that has a water screen in the middle. It has 180 pumps that form a water screen and shoot about 12 metres. With no building around, the wind blows the water and as it rises, the water meets with the one cascading down to form a spectacular scene. It is a symphony of water, sound, and music, mesmerizing to the eyes, to the mind and the spirit.

Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who alongside many top dignitaries were treated to a stunning view of jets of water moving in perfect harmony with musical rhythms, described his experience as that of power of imagination and bringing imagination to reality.

For Ashimolowo, his whole essence is not about just wanting to make quick money but creating an impact in Nigeria. He has for long nursed a dream of transforming Lagos into a global hub of sophistication and leisure. He envisioned a landmark tourist centre —a place Nigerians home and abroad will boast about. That’s why he has plotted a legacy estate.

Built with the upper middle class and upwardly mobile people in mind, the entire Mikarios ecosystem is a combination of business and leisure. It would be a community where work, leisure, and luxury coexist harmoniously.

Aside from the Water Display Park, Mikarios will also include a swanky housing estate with multiple 10-Storey Towers that has over 800 living spaces of various chic apartments and elegant terraced/detached houses.

Luxury shopping is also a perk with a sprawling shopping mall under construction. Makarios is not just about retail and residential that would be snapped up. There are also exquisite office spaces and a plush boutique hotel.

Once completed, Mikarios will be a community bursting with high-end luxury stores attracting big spenders, as well as places where they can kick up their feet at night.

Original article was written for THESUN