ISIMI Polo Festival Showcases the Future of Sustainable Living

In the heart of Epe, Lagos, a new era of luxury and sustainability was unveiled at the ISIMI Polo Festival. 

The festival, held at the serene eco-living destination of ISIMI Lagos, was a celebration of sport, culture, food, and lifestyle. With its stunning polo field, world-class amenities, and breathtaking natural scenery, ISIMI Lagos provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience. Writes MARY NNAH

The sun was shining brightly over the serene eco-living destination of ISIMI Lagos, a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of Epe. The air was alive with the sound of horses’ hooves pounding the ground, signaling the start of the ISIMI Polo Festival, a celebration of sport, culture, food, and lifestyle.

The festival was a showcase of ISIMI Lagos’ commitment to architectural excellence, wellness-driven lifestyle, and nature-integrated spaces.

The festival was officially flagged open by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who expressed his gratitude to the organisers and partners of ISIMI Lagos, highlighting the project’s significance in redefining the future of the city.

Commending the visionary founder of Isimi Lagos, Mr. Olawale Ayilara,

Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the development, saying it was a milestone in the state’s history and a demonstration of Lagos State’s vision for a better Lagos.

He noted that the entire corridor was set to become a development hub, with Lagos Film City and Lagos Lake Airport included in the vision.

“This entire corridor is set to become a hub for development, with the Lagos Film City, Lagos Lake Airport, and more. Isimi Lagos has taken the first step in redefining the future of our city”, he said.

The Governor also thanked everyone involved in making the event a success and encouraged guests to enjoy the beauty and freshness of Lagos.

Following the Governor’s speech, Mr. Olawale Ayilara, Founder & CEO of LandWey Investment Ltd, developers of Isimi Lagos, shared his vision for the project.

“The intentionality behind the Isimi Lagos vision is creating a city of the future that harmonises with nature, wellness, and sustainable luxury,” he said.

“Isimi Lagos stands at the intersection of luxury and long-term value, with world-class features including a polo field and equestrian center, helipad and jetty for air and water access, forest café, wine cellar, and farm shop, a British-curriculum school and medical center, and secure titled plots with flexible payment options.”

He highlighted the estate’s membership model, which gives subscribers exclusive access to curated experiences and ownership benefits.

Strategically located in Epe, one of Lagos’ fastest-growing corridors, Isimi Lagos offers investors exceptional appreciation potential, anchored by infrastructural expansion, including the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Alaro City, and the future Fourth Mainland Bridge.

As the guests began to arrive, the atmosphere was electric. Jubril Arogundade, Executive Director of CIG Motors and Acting Managing Director of LAGRIDE Nigeria Ltd, was among the esteemed guests who graced the event.

“This is an amazing facility,” he exclaimed, “and we believe that in the future, our brands will be looking into doing events here.” He was particularly impressed by the polo event, noting that it was taking the sport to another level.

“The Lagos Polo Festival is an event that we have participated in over time, but what I am seeing here today is extraordinary.”

Arogundade’s enthusiasm was palpable as he discussed the potential for polo in Nigeria. “Golf is a very popular sport in Nigeria, and polo is also very popular. But I will say that this event is taking polo as a sport to another level”, he said.

He saw immense potential for the sport, not just for enthusiasts but also for sponsors and businesses looking to tap into the high-end market. “We’ll not just see fans of polo come to enjoy the event, we’ll see different people from different walks of life coming here to experience what’s going on,” he predicted.

When asked about his initial thoughts upon being invited to the event, Arogundade mentioned the distance from his location in Ikoyi. However, he praised the Lagos State Government’s efforts in improving infrastructure, particularly the coastal road, which made the journey more manageable.

“All thanks to the government, with the alternative we have, which is the coastal road, it made the journey a bit shorter for us,” he said. He also expressed his hope for future infrastructure development, such as a train connection to the area, which would further enhance accessibility.

For Arogundade, the event was not just about polo; it was about networking and building relationships. “For me, this means home because I’m also somebody that’s trying to connect myself with the high-level individuals,” he said. “And everybody that I’ve been trying to reach out to for business is here for me.” 

He had already had productive conversations and was looking forward to sealing deals.

Ambassador (Dr.) Samuel Abiola Jacobs, MD of the Luxury Network Nigeria, was also in attendance. As a man who appreciated luxury and exclusivity, he was thrilled to be a part of the festival.

 “It’s not my first time being at ISIMI Lagos,” he said, “but it is my first time coming to the festival. I’m very pleased to be here.” When asked about the adoption of polo, a sport often associated with Western culture, he replied, “Polo is a game for kings. We are very rich in our heritage, having monarchies, royal fathers, and royal families here in Nigeria. So, to bring it home, it just makes sense that we have our own here celebrating the King’s Cup today.”

Jacobs emphasised the importance of showcasing the positive aspects of Nigeria, especially during challenging times.

“Honestly, it’s a difficult time right now with everything that’s going on in the country, especially in different parts of Nigeria,” he acknowledged. “But we also want to send a clear and positive message to the world that it’s not all doom and gloom in Nigeria.”

He praised the Lagos State Governor for his support of development, lifestyle, and cultural creativity, saying, “He is putting Lagos and Nigeria on the map, internationally as well.”

The festival was not just about polo; it was a celebration of culture, food, and lifestyle.

Juliet Ibrahim, a Ghanaian actress, film producer, influencer, and singer, was captivated by the experience.

“I’m here today at Isimi Lagos, and I’m here to experience this beautiful festival. And for me, it’s all about the culture, it’s about experience, ” she said.

 She was impressed by the facilities and the potential for tourism in the state. “With events like this and with facilities and institutions like this, it really helps every country and every city tourism,” she noted, adding, “And I think it’s major because, as I said earlier, like driving into this place, it shows how much we have in Lagos.”

Ibrahim’s experience at the festival was multifaceted. She enjoyed the polo match, the fashion, and the music. “I’m looking forward to seeing the fashion show,” she said. “Hearing the great music that’s about to be played for us, just everything. The experience, the fashion sense, as you can see.”

She also highlighted the importance of showcasing the beauty and potential of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.

“I think it’s about time that we start finding what we have and making the world know and see through our own eyes,” she emphasised.

As the day unfolded, the festival showcased the perfect blend of luxury, sport, wellness, and nature. From polo matches to farm-to-table dining, cultural and wellness experiences, there was something for everyone.

The event demonstrated ISIMI Lagos’ commitment to creating a unique lifestyle experience that would attract luxury buyers, wellness seekers, and global property investors.

The festival’s objective was to unveil and spotlight ISIMI Lagos as Africa’s leading sustainable luxury community, and it achieved just that. 

As the sun set over the polo field, the guests were left in awe of the beauty and elegance of ISIMI Lagos. The festival was a resounding success, and it would be exciting to see what the future holds for this luxurious eco-living destination.

In the end, the ISIMI Polo Festival was more than just a sporting event; it was a celebration of Nigerian culture, luxury, and community. It brought together people from different walks of life, providing a platform for networking, entertainment, and appreciation of the finer things in life. As the guests departed, they carried with them memories of a truly unforgettable experience and the anticipation of the next ISIMI Polo Festival.