Sports betting outfit, KingMakers, in partnership with Carven Gaming and Reach (RCL), at the weekend, launched the maiden E-Sports Academy Kids Programme, which aims to empower children with digital literacy, responsible gaming education, and opportunities in the fast-growing e-sports industry.
The event at the Landmark Village, Oniru, Victoria Island, welcomed over 40 children, including participants from Kidsports Charity Initiative, who engaged in more than five hours of hands-on training and interactive activities. The programme featured skill development workshops, mini masterclasses on real career pathways, exciting tournaments, and a prize presentation ceremony where the top three runner-ups were recognised and rewarded.
Commenting on the initiative, the Managing Director of KingMakers, Gossy Ukanwoke, said: “At KingMakers, our CSR mission is about creating opportunities that transform lives. Through this programme, we are showing children that gaming is more than play; it is a pathway to learning, teamwork, discipline, and even future careers.
Seeing the excitement and potential in these young participants reinforces our commitment to using innovation to give back to society.”
Earlier, the founder of Reach and programme organiser, Solomon Nnanna, expressed his delight at the programme’s impact: “This first cohort has been a huge success, empowering over 40 children with knowledge and exposure that many of them would not ordinarily have had access to. Our goal is to nurture their confidence, creativity, and digital awareness while creating a fun and inclusive space.
“The partnership with KingMakers and Carven Gaming ensures we can keep expanding this vision to reach even more children. Beyond this programme, KingMakers has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering young people across multiple fields. Through strategic partnerships with organisations such as the Ojah Scholarship Foundation, The Destiny Trust Initiative, and The BRIDGE Initiative, KingMakers has actively supported disadvantaged youth with scholarships, mentorship, and digital literacy initiatives. These collaborations highlight the company’s long-standing vision to create lasting impact by opening doors to education, sports, and personal development for young people across Nigeria.”
He said that the E-Sports Academy Kids Programme will run in two cohorts yearly, with one more planned before the end of 2025. Each cohort will continue to expand access, giving more children across Lagos the chance to benefit from structured e-sports education, mentorship, and empowerment.
