It was a celebration of cultural heritage, resilience, and culinary excellence as the highly revered Kwara-based food brand, Amala Place Ilorin, officially threw open its doors to the Lagos public on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The grand opening, held at the newly minted facility inside G&K Plaza along Ogombo Road in Ajah, marks a pivotal milestone in the brand’s expansion strategy. Originally a household name on Fate Road in Ilorin, Kwara State, the establishment has formally extended its footprint into Nigeria’s commercial capital to give Lagosians an authentic, premium taste of traditional home-cooked delicacies.
A Star-Studded Opening
The milestone event commenced with an opening prayer, setting a tone of gratitude and forward-looking aspirations for the enterprise. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was performed by Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi (Ajuloopin), the distinguished member of the Federal House of Representatives representing the Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara State. The high-profile gathering drew notable political, business, and media leaders. In attendance to support the indigenous brand were Hon. Aisha Patigi, an All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant and former Commissioner in Kwara State, alongside Daniel Omonze, the Publisher of Stakeholders Magazine.
Resilience and Strategic Vision
While addressing the media and guests during the launch, the Founder and CEO of Amala Place Ilorin, Mrs. Khadijat Hameed, expressed profound gratitude to God, her family, and her mentors. Reflecting on the journey, she noted that breaking into the Lagos market was a long-time coming, achieved only after overcoming a series of significant operational and logistical challenges.
“We give all glory to God that the Lagos branch is now a reality. This location was strategically chosen to ensure that residents of Lagos, particularly here on the Island, can access the same uncompromised, homemade quality food that defined our brand in Ilorin,” Mrs. Hameed stated.
Commendations and Global Ambitions
Delivering his remarks, Hon. Tunji Olawuyi lauded Mrs. Hameed’s unwavering doggedness and commitment to her craft. He fondly recalled her journey from the early days of helping her mother in the culinary business to evolving into the chief executive of an ultra-modern, executive local dining spot. He praised her as an inspiration for small business owners aiming for institutional growth.
Adding to the accolades, Hajia Aisha Patigi expressed immense joy on the occasion of the expansion. She commended the vision behind exporting Kwara’s rich food culture to Lagos and pledged her continuous support to help scale the enterprise even further. Looking toward the future, Hajia Patigi hinted at global expansion possibilities, discussing the feasibility of taking the authentic *Abula* experience to international landscapes, including setting up similar outlets in cities like Atlanta, United States.
With its strategic Ajah location now fully operational, Amala Place Ilorin is set to reshape the casual and executive local dining landscape on the Lagos Island corridor, serving its signature fluffy Amala, Abula, and rich native stews under the highest standards of hospitality.
Amala Place Ilorin can be located at G&K Plaza, Ogombo Rd., Opposite Eti-Osa Maternity Hospital, Adjacent Conoil Fueling Station, Off Abraham Adesanya Bus Stop, Ajah, Lagos State.
Photo Credits: Sunday James (Ijinle Best Empire)
