In a significant stride towards youth empowerment and grassroots sports development, KingMakers, in partnership with the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, officially commissioned the KingMakers Ifako Ijaiye Sports Complex—a major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project designed to benefit over 200,000 residents within and beyond the Ifako Ijaiye community.
The unveiling 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 commissioning ceremony marked a milestone in KingMakers’ ongoing 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 is a thoughtfully designed facility featuring a 150-capacity sports arena for grassroots tournaments, a standard football pitch with lighting for evening use, a green relaxation area, modern male and female restrooms, two administrative office spaces, 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—all built with sustainability and long-term community benefit in mind.
In his remarks during the commissioning, Gossy Ukanwoke, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of KingMakers (BetKing), stated: “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.”
Also speaking at the ceremony , the Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, Prince Usman Akanbi 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.
“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 catalyze sustainable community development.
“The three-year journey from conceptual discussions in 2020 to today’s grand commissioning has been a master class 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.
