— A fusion of Sun City, Rio, Las Vegas, and Dubai set to redefine African leisure and nightlife
By Tse Tse Tuk
In what promises to be one of the most ambitious entertainment projects in Africa’s history, Seyi Tinubu, the scion of Nigeria’s First Family, and nightlife magnate Obi Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, have joined forces to build what they describe as “Africa’s largest entertainment dome” a mega lifestyle complex set to rise from the sands of a newly acquired private island off the coast of Lagos.
The dome will be the dazzling centerpiece of the island, a futuristic leisure city that the promoters say will rival the world’s most iconic playgrounds, Sun City in South Africa, Las Vegas in the United States, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, and Dubai in the UAE.
The Island of Dreams
According to early concept designs obtained by The North Journals, the unnamed island will feature a blend of tropical luxury and high-octane nightlife. Plans include five-star hotels, floating restaurants, casinos, artificial lagoons, designer villas, private marinas, a helipad, and a luxury shopping district modeled after Dubai Mall.
The centerpiece, however, will be the Entertainment Dome, a multi-purpose complex capable of hosting 50,000 guests for concerts, conventions, festivals, film premieres, and global award shows. The dome will reportedly feature retractable roofing, holographic projection systems, and 360-degree digital displays, a first of its kind in Africa.
“The vision is to bring the world to Lagos,” said a member of the project’s PR team who requested anonymity because official unveiling events are being planned for December. “We’re not just building a structure; we’re creating an experience — something that merges African hospitality with global sophistication.”
A Fusion of Power, Glamour, and Vision
Insiders say Seyi Tinubu is leading the financing and brand partnerships through his media and outdoor advertising networks, while Obi Cubana brings his unrivaled experience in nightlife, event management, and hospitality. The synergy between both men, one born into political royalty, the other a self-made hospitality mogul has sparked widespread buzz in Nigeria’s entertainment circles.
“Both of them represent two sides of modern Nigeria,” said a Lagos-based entertainment consultant. “Seyi has international corporate reach, and Obi Cubana understands what Africans want when it comes to leisure, luxury, and lifestyle. Together, they can transform Lagos into the continent’s entertainment capital.”
Inspired by the World’s Icons
The developers have drawn inspiration from global entertainment landmarks , Sun City’s resort architecture, Rio’s carnival energy, the opulence of Las Vegas, and the futuristic aesthetics of Dubai’s skyline. The project’s architectural renderings show a vibrant blend of African motifs and contemporary design, with vast LED-lit promenades, beach clubs, art installations, and performance spaces designed to operate 24/7.
A highlight of the plan is “The Strip” a 2.5-kilometre boulevard lined with casinos, nightclubs, art galleries, and luxury stores. The developers envision it as “Lagos’ answer to Las Vegas Boulevard,” offering an immersive, round-the-clock experience that attracts tourists, celebrities, and investors from around the world.
A New Frontier for Tourism and Investment
Tourism experts have lauded the project’s potential to reposition Lagos as West Africa’s premier leisure destination. With global interest in African music, art, and fashion at an all-time high, the Entertainment Dome could become a natural home for continental events such as AFRIMA, AMVCA, and Detty December festivals.
“This project, if executed faithfully, could create thousands of jobs and open a new frontier for tourism in Nigeria,” said Emeka Agulere, a billionaire businessman and Tourism & Travel promoter. “It also represents a bold statement of confidence in Lagos as a global city.”
Countdown to Launch
While construction details remain closely guarded, sources suggest that the groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for early 2026, with phase one completion targeted for 2028. Several international architectural firms and entertainment brands are reportedly in talks to participate, including consultants from Dubai, Johannesburg, and Miami.
For now, Lagosians and entertainment enthusiasts across Africa can only imagine what this island of dreams will look like a shimmering oasis of lights, music, and spectacle rising from the Atlantic.
As Emeka Agulere put it, “This is not just another investment, it’s the beginning of a new African story, one where Lagos takes its rightful place among the world’s entertainment capitals.”
