Auldon Toys, under the leadership of CEO Paul Orajiaka, has completed a significant strategic shift from bulk distribution to a consumer-facing retail model with the launch of an billion dedicated children’s experience center in Lagos. This landmark facility is designed to engage young consumers and their families directly through a blend of entertainment, education, and retail.
The newly opened hub is more than a store; it is an integrated destination featuring a dedicated toy supermarket, a family-friendly cafe, and specialized educational workshops. These programs are structured to promote hands-on learning in critical foundational skills, offering classes in:
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Robotics and Creative Engineering
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Physics-Based Games
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Basic Toy Assembly
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Doll Clothes Sewing and Fashion Design
Evolution to Experiential Learning
Mr. Orajiaka emphasized that the center marks the firm’s evolution from a traditional wholesale dealer to an experiential, retail-focused enterprise. The core objective is to establish a dynamic environment where Nigerian children can exercise independent choice in purchasing, while actively participating in immersive activities that boost cognitive development and creativity.
The company plans to integrate this facility into the Nigerian educational system by developing summer and field trip programs, allowing schools to bring students for practical sessions in basic engineering, toy production, and robotics. This initiative aims to stimulate curiosity and empower children with foundational science, technology, and creative skills. Furthermore, Orajiaka noted the potential for replicating this model across major Nigerian cities and neighboring sub-regions to broaden access to quality, developmentally supportive toys.
Advocacy for Infrastructure and Finance
Reflecting on Auldon Toys’ 27-year operational history, Orajiaka called on the government to provide essential support for private investors. He highlighted the significant hurdles posed by high infrastructure expenditures, particularly the instability of the electricity supply, and urged for regulatory streamlining and the provision of affordable financing (e.g., lower-cost loans and improved credit structures) to accelerate SME growth.
The CEO of FCMB Group, Ladi Balogun, who attended the facility’s unveiling, praised Auldon Toys for its innovative and resilient investment in the creative manufacturing and retail sector. He expressed pride in supporting a homegrown brand committed to local value creation.
Mr. Balogun reaffirmed FCMB’s commitment to supporting the light industry and retail sectors, emphasizing the crucial need for consistent access to capital, strategic partnerships, and robust advisory services to unlock the full potential of Nigerian entrepreneurs. Both parties underscored their shared goal of empowering children, stimulating job creation, and fostering overall economic expansion.
