By Efe Onodjae

In a bid to promote youth empowerment, KingMakers, a leading sports and digital entertainment platform in Africa, has partnered with the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area in Agege, Lagos State, to launch a 150-capacity sports complex dedicated to grassroots and youth development.

This major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative is set to benefit over 200,000 residents within and beyond the Ifako-Ijaiye community.

The commissioning ceremony, which took place at Iju Ogundimu Primary School, marks a significant milestone in KingMakers’ ongoing commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring spaces where young talent can be nurtured and communities can thrive through sport.

During his remarks at the commissioning, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of KingMakers (BetKing), Gossy Ukanwoke, stated:

“This project embodies our core belief that sport is more than just competition, it is a vehicle for social transformation, unity, and empowerment. At KingMakers, we are intentional about investing in initiatives that have long-term impact, and the Ifako-Ijaiye Sports Complex is one such example of our commitment to supporting the communities where we operate. We are proud to work alongside visionary partners like the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government to deliver infrastructure that inspires young people, promotes physical wellness, and provides a pathway to excellence.

Beyond this facility, our broader CSR strategy is focused on inclusion, access, and opportunity. We will continue to support youth-focused initiatives and provide the resources and encouragement athletes need to thrive.”

On his part, the Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Prince Usman Hamzat, emphasized the significance of the occasion:”Today, we celebrate a defining moment in Ifako-Ijaiye’s history with the inauguration of this groundbreaking sports complex. This achievement exemplifies our administration’s steadfast dedication to empowering youth and strengthening communities through innovative partnerships. Our collaboration with KingMakers has transformed a bold vision into tangible progress, a world-class facility designed to cultivate talent, encourage sportsmanship, and bring our community together. This is merely the first step in our ambitious plan to revolutionize grassroots sports development across Ifako-Ijaiye and Lagos State.”

Speaking on the project, Oluwafemi Ojo, Special Adviser on Partnerships and Innovation for Ifako-Ijaiye LG, explained that the landmark achievement powerfully demonstrates how Public-Private Partnerships can catalyze sustainable community development: “The three-year journey from conceptual discussions in 2020 to today’s grand commissioning has been a masterclass in collaborative problem-solving, determination, and forward-thinking. I extend my deepest appreciation to KingMakers for their visionary investment and to our local government leadership for their consistent backing. We’ve not just built a sports complex, we’ve established an enduring legacy that will benefit countless future generations.”

The 150-capacity sports complex features an arena for grassroots tournaments, a standard football pitch with lighting for evening use, a green relaxation area, modern male and female restrooms, two administrative offices, a generator house for uninterrupted operations, ample parking space, and robust water infrastructure—including two large water tanks, a water treatment system, and a security house. The facility was built with sustainability and long-term community benefit in mind.

Beyond the new complex, KingMakers has remained an active contributor to Nigeria’s sports ecosystem. The company recently concluded the BetKing Wheelchair Basketball Championship in Abeokuta and is supporting athletes in the Para-athletics category at the upcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State. BetKing is also the title sponsor of Ikorodu City Football Club and an active donor to the Kids Sports Charity Initiative, which equips young athletes with gear, training, and mentorship.

The KingMakers Ifako-Ijaiye Mini-Sports Complex stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, showcasing the power of collaboration in community transformation. As the facility opens its doors, it promises to serve as a cradle for future champions and a hub for social impact.