Behind every remarkable property development lies a story, one filled with vision, planning, challenges, and eventually, triumph. The Autograph by COOPLAG is one such story. What started as an ambitious dream in 2019 has today become one of Ikoyi’s most prestigious addresses, redefining what cooperative-led real estate can achieve in Nigeria.

In 2019, COOPLAG Cooperative Investment and Thrift Society Limited, a cooperative society formed for the staff of Shell and Renaissance Africa Energy Company (formerly known as Shell Staff Cooperative), decided to push the boundaries of what a cooperative could accomplish. While cooperatives are traditionally associated with savings and small-scale investments, COOPLAG dared to think bigger.

The vision was to deliver a flagship development that would not only provide luxury homes but also stand as proof that cooperatives could drive large-scale, high-quality projects. The chosen location? None other than Banana Island Road in Ikoyi, one of Lagos’s most sought-after neighborhoods and a symbol of exclusivity.

The concept was clear: create a serene residential environment with modern infrastructure, first-class amenities, and a lifestyle of comfort and convenience. The moment the project was unveiled to COOPLAG members, it generated enormous excitement. Within weeks, every unit was sold out, a resounding endorsement of both the idea and the credibility of the cooperative.

The Autograph’s groundbreaking ceremony in December 2019 marked a turning point. It wasn’t just another real estate launch; it was a celebration of vision and trust.

The ceremony was led by Mr. Bayo Ojulari, then Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration Company (SNEPCO). In attendance were senior Shell staff, many of whom were also subscribers, alongside dignitaries such as the Federal Director of Cooperatives, the Chairman and top management of Cooperative Mortgage Bank (CMB), executives from Access Bank, and several other stakeholders.

The atmosphere was electric. For many attendees, it wasn’t just about witnessing a new housing project, but about being part of a groundbreaking chapter in cooperative-driven investments in Nigeria.

Construction kicked off in 2020 under Cooperative Property Development Company Limited (CPDCL), a subsidiary of Cooperative Mortgage Bank. Spirits were high, but as the months rolled on, the project faced challenges.

Unexpected delays, logistical setbacks, and management hurdles slowed progress. CPDCL, despite its early involvement, could not keep pace with the vision, and its role was eventually brought to an end.

At this point, some projects might have crumbled. But for COOPLAG, abandoning the dream was never an option. To keep the vision alive, Arkland Group stepped in to take over construction. Their entry reinjected energy, structure, and renewed commitment to quality.

Even with new leadership, the road was not without difficulties. The global economic climate, rising construction costs, and the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic added to the pressures. Yet, through it all, COOPLAG remained steadfast.

Every stage of construction was carefully supervised. Resources were allocated with precision, and quality assurance became the top priority. The cooperative’s determination to deliver on its promise, not just to build houses, but to build lasting value, never wavered.

It took five long years, but by 2024, the dream had finally been transformed into reality.

When The Autograph was completed in 2024, it was clear that the effort had been worth it. The project delivered far more than just buildings; it created a modern residential community that stands tall among Nigeria’s finest.

The development consists of:

• 32 units of 5-Bedroom Triplexes
• 40 units of 4-Bedroom Luxury Flats, including 4 tastefully finished penthouses, spread across two stunning ten-storey towers

Beyond the residences themselves, The Autograph also brought world-class infrastructure to the community, including:

• 24/7 electricity supply
• A central water system
• Landscaped green areas and playgrounds for children
• Paved roads, functional drainage, and walkways
• Street lighting and other modern utilities

It was more than a collection of homes; it was a statement of lifestyle, comfort, and class.

On November 30, 2024, the long-awaited commissioning ceremony took place. The event was as grand as the project itself, attended by investors, subscribers, stakeholders, and dignitaries who had walked with COOPLAG through the journey.

There was a sense of pride in the air, pride in the resilience that had carried the project through years of setbacks, and pride in the result that stood before them. The Autograph wasn’t just a building being handed over; it was a vision fulfilled, a promise kept, and a cooperative success story for the history books.

Today, The Autograph by COOPLAG stands as more than just a luxury residential estate. It is a landmark in Ikoyi, a symbol of perseverance, and a benchmark for what cooperatives can achieve when guided by vision and determination.

For Lagos, it adds to the city’s growing list of high-end developments. For COOPLAG, it cements its reputation as a forward-thinking cooperative capable of executing projects on a grand scale. And for the residents, it offers not just a place to live, but a lifestyle defined by comfort, exclusivity, and community.

From concept in 2019 to commissioning in 2024, The Autograph embodies the full journey of property development, from dreaming and planning, to facing challenges, overcoming them, and finally celebrating success.

It is, in every sense, a story of vision turned into reality.