Landculture, a contemporary real estate development firm, has announced the commencement of construction for Alafia Gardens, a project it describes as Ilorin's first "Polo Wellness City." The development is designed to integrate residential living, wellness infrastructure, equestrian sports, and green energy into a single, master-planned community.

Disclosing this during a project symposium in Ilorin, the company outlined the milestones expected within the first year of construction. While the current phase covers over 37 hectares, project documents indicate a broader long-term vision spanning 90 hectares.

The concept draws inspiration from Ilorin's traditional horse-riding heritage, placing equestrian activities at the heart of the estate's identity. Matthew Adekola, who introduced the project, described Alafia Gardens as a destination where residents can "live, work, relax and unwind" while remaining deeply connected to nature.

The development is structured into three primary clusters:

Residential: Featuring modern road networks, drainage systems, and hybrid solar-electric street lighting.

Commercial: Designed to support local business and enterprise within the estate.

Eco-Tourism: Aimed at attracting visitors through sustainable recreation.

Engineering plans for the site include a dedicated solar farm to support 24/7 electrification and an internal eco-friendly transport system. For recreation, the estate will house a fitness hub, basketball and lawn tennis courts, family parks, and a wellness centre complete with meditation gardens.

At the centre of the lifestyle plan is a Polo ranch, which Landculture said would support horse-riding experiences and polo activities for residents and visitors.

On sustainability, Landculture said it plans to plant over 10,000 trees across the estate as part of its landscape and biodiversity goals, describing Alafia Gardens as a 100% eco-friendly project in its materials.

The timeline projects that the overall project could take five to seven years, covering design, infrastructure, development and occupancy phases. In the first six months, Landculture said its focus will include estate landscape planning, tree planting and creation of green zones at the front of the estate, as well as installing an open chess garden near the entrance and forming the driveway leading to the main access gate.

The company said it has commenced construction of the estate gatehouse and begun core infrastructure works, including layout roads and drainage mapping, described as part of its first phase of infrastructural development.

The commercial zone is a planned multi-use commercial hub and co-working "space hubs" intended to support businesses and residents working within the estate.

For the eco-tourism zone, Landculture said plans include staycation villas, farm-to-table experiences and lakeside recreation designed to serve residents and short-term visitors.

The company also listed security as a key element, including a planned 24/7 surveillance system alongside other estate infrastructure works.

The project, known as Alafia Gardens, is located along the Eiyekorin Express Road in Ilorin highlights proximity to Ilorin International Airport (7 minutes), 2 minutes from the Nigerian Airforce Base.

As Adekola put it, looking across the site, "We're not just building for today. We're building the kind of city people will still be proud to live in decades from now."

Landculture describes itself as a contemporary real estate development company focused on "exceptional living environments" and sustainable growth across Africa.