In a major boost to grassroots sports and youth empowerment, KingMakers, in collaboration with the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, has officially commissioned the KingMakers Ifako Ijaiye Sports Complex — a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project aimed at impacting over 200,000 residents within and around the community.
The unveiling, which took place on Thursday, April 17, 2025, attracted several dignitaries, including the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu; Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Youth Mobilisation, Hon. Alabi Opeyemi; Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Mr. Gafar Liameed; Chariman Ifako-Ijaiye LG, Prince Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat and BetKing CEO, Mr. Gossy Ukanwoke, among others.
The state-of-the-art complex features a 150-seat arena, a floodlit standard football pitch, green relaxation areas, modern restrooms, administrative offices, a generator house, a security post, a water treatment system, and ample parking. It was designed with sustainability and community well-being at its core.
Speaking at the event, Gossy Ukanwoke reaffirmed KingMakers’ commitment to community development and youth empowerment through sports, describing the project as a meaningful investment in the future of young Nigerians.
He said, “This project embodies our core belief that sports 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 we operate in. 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.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat emphasised 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 revolutionise grassroots sports development across Ifako-Ijaiye and Lagos State.”
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Speaking on the importance of maintenance of the facility, Prince Hamzat stated that the government will employ professionals to take care of the facility.
He said, “BetKing has come to help us in achieving this and they are not just building and living, so we are also collaborating and making sure we have a team who are professionals and maintainers that will be in charge of this facility. So, come the next 10 years, you will still see value for money here, so that’s what we are going to put together to make sure that the maintenance is an ongoing thing.”
Oluwafemi Ojo, Special Adviser on Partnerships and Innovation, Ifako-Ijaiye local government, reflected on the project’s journey: “This landmark achievement powerfully demonstrates how Public-Private Partnerships can catalyse 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.”
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. 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-Sport Complex stands as a glimmer of light and opportunity, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can transform communities. As the facility opens its doors, it promises to be a cradle for future champions and a hub for social cohesion.
