As part of efforts to boost youth empowerment and grassroots sports development, KingMakers, in partnership with the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, have officially commissioned a new sports complex christened ‘KingMakers Ifako Ijaiye Sports Complex.’

This major corporate social responsibility (CSR) project, according to the sponsors, will benefit over 200,000 residents within and beyond the Ifako Ijaiye community in Lagos.

The sponsors said that the commissioning ceremony marked a milestone in KingMakers’ commitment to creating safe, inclusive and inspiring spaces where young talent can be nurtured, and communities can thrive through sport.

The KingMakers Ifako Ijaiye Sports Complex facility features a 150-capacity sports arena for grassroots tournaments, a standard football pitch with lighting for evening use, green relaxation area, modern male and female restrooms, two administrative office spaces, generator house, parking space, good water infrastructure—including two large water tanks, a water treatment system, and a security house—all built with sustainability and long-term community benefit in mind.

Speaking during the commissioning, Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, KingMakers (BetKing), Gossy Ukanwoke, said the project embodies their belief that sports is more than just competition, but also a vehicle for social transformation, unity and empowerment.

He added that they remain intentional about investing in initiatives that have a long-term impact, adding that the new Sports Complex is an example of their commitment to supporting the communities they operate in.

“We are proud to work alongside the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government to deliver infrastructure that inspires young people, promotes physical wellness and provides a pathway to excellence,” he said.

He envisioned a future where youths who train at the complex would go on to represent Nigeria on global platforms such as the Premier League and the Olympics.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman, Ifako Ijaiye Local Council, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, urged the youths to pursue self-development through sports and vocational skills actively, stressing the scarcity of traditional employment opportunities. He also charged young people to seize opportunities around them to better their future; emphasising the role of sports in community development.

He also noted how his administration has used sports to reduce crime and foster youth engagement.

Special Adviser, Partnerships and Innovation, Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Oluwafemi Ojo, noted that the collaboration demonstrates how Public-Private Partnerships can catalyse sustainable community development. He thanked KingMakers for the visionary investment, saying an enduring legacy that will benefit countless future generations has been established.

The facility, on a former swamp, was transformed through the partnership between KingMakers and the local council.

In addition to the new facility, KingMakers has been 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 forthcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State.