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By Joe Apu
The milestone launch of the 50th basketball court under the Giants of Africa (GOA) “Built Within” initiative was celebrated in grand style on Monday at the historic premises of King’s College Lagos, as basketball, music and entertainment combined to deliver a memorable experience for students and members of the community.
The newly completed modern basketball facility, situated within the school grounds on Lagos Island, forms part of GOA’s ambitious target of constructing 100 courts across Africa to promote youth development through sports.
The court was built by Webber Engineering, who’s Chief Executive Officer, Opeyemi Babalola is a former basketball player turned sports entrepreneur.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Masai Ujiri, co-founder of Giants of Africa and President and Alternative Governor of the Dallas Mavericks, described the occasion as a moment of fulfillment in the organisation’s journey to empower young Africans through basketball.
“It’s a thing of joy and fulfillment to have the 50th court in our mission of providing 100 courts around Africa,” Ujiri said.
“The Giants of Africa is also happy to have this court situated within this historic school, King’s College Lagos. However, I must state emphatically that the structure of this prestigious school is nothing to write home about. A modern basketball facility does not sync with the structures I have seen here today.
“I therefore challenge those saddled with the administration of the school and government to do something urgent to uplift the school. We all understand that this is one of the oldest schools in Lagos with old structures, but we need to modernize them to conform to a modern basketball facility like what we have launched today.”
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The principal of King’s College expressed appreciation to Giants of Africa and the old students of the school, particularly the 1982–1988 set, for supporting the project and helping to make the dream a reality.
He urged students to take advantage of the opportunities basketball provides, stressing that the game teaches discipline, teamwork, determination and goal-setting.
Also speaking at the event, President of the King’s College Old Boys Association North America, Dr. Val Odife, said he was delighted that a decade-long dream of having a modern basketball court in the school had finally been achieved.
The colourful ceremony attracted basketball enthusiasts, students, alumni and entertainers, reflecting GOA’s vision of using sports as a tool for youth empowerment, education and community transformation across the African continent.
Beyond the court handover, the delegation reinforced its commitment to gender equity in sport by hosting a women’s basketball coaching clinic. Elite coaches with experience in the United States, Canada, and Europe equipped female coaches with practical skills, resources, and mentorship, advancing GOA’s wider mission of empowering women and girls through leadership and community engagement.
A youth basketball clinic followed the ceremony, bringing together 50 boys and girls from Kings College and Queens College. Led by local coaches and GOA’s own staff, the session underscored the organisation’s dedication to youth development and creating opportunity through sport.
The celebrations were capped by live performances from Nigerian artists May D and Mayorkun, who serenaded guests at the historic venue.
