A wave of excitement swept through Lagos at the weekend as Auldon Toys unveiled its colossal N8 billion children’s experience hub—an audacious investment now hailed as Africa’s most expansive, most immersive toy and creative learning centre.
Led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Paul Orajiaka, Auldon Toys has moved boldly from conventional wholesale operations into a futuristic world of hands-on learning, imaginative play and child-centred innovation. The new hub fuses retail, entertainment, technology and light manufacturing in a single, vibrant complex designed to open new frontiers for Nigerian children.
At the heart of the facility is a toy supermarket bursting with colours, a family-friendly café, and interactive classrooms that stir curiosity. Children can watch doll clothes being sewn in real time, stroll along a miniature assembly line where basic toys are put together, or dive into specialised labs dedicated to robotics, physics games and early engineering concepts.
During a tour of the centre, Orajiaka described the project as a dramatic turning point in Auldon’s 27-year journey.
“For decades we were locked inside the wholesale market cycle,” he said. “But it was time to offer Nigerian children something deeper—choices, creativity and an environment where learning merges naturally with play.”
He disclosed that more than N8 billion was invested in the hub, reaffirming the company’s strong belief in Nigeria’s creative economy. He added that plans were underway to replicate the model across multiple cities and within the West African sub-region.
According to him, Auldon is already developing summer programmes that will allow schools to bring pupils for practical sessions in robotics, engineering fundamentals, toy assembly and doll fashion design.
Yet, behind the spectacle lies the familiar challenge of Nigeria’s business environment. Orajiaka noted that the centre runs largely on diesel generators due to unstable electricity—an avoidable burden that escalates operating costs. He urged government to improve infrastructure, dismantle regulatory hurdles and expand access to affordable financing for SMEs.
Reflecting on the company’s growth trajectory, he said many indigenous businesses could scale faster if provided with cheaper funding earlier on.
The Chief Executive Officer of FCMB Group, Mr. Ladi Balogun, who witnessed the unveiling, commended Auldon Toys for its bold vision and rare commitment to local value creation. He said FCMB was proud to support a homegrown brand redefining Nigeria’s creative manufacturing landscape.
Balogun emphasised that Nigerian entrepreneurs need steady financing, advisory backing and strategic partnerships to fully realise their potential. He assured that FCMB would continue to support SMEs in niche sectors such as creative manufacturing, retail and light industry.
He added that the bank would keep backing initiatives that empower children, stimulate creativity and strengthen the national economy.
With its lively colours, buzzing machines and the wide-eyed wonder of children streaming through its corridors, Auldon’s N8bn experience hub stands not just as a retail centre—but as a revolutionary leap for Nigeria’s toy culture and creative future.
