Landmark College, Ikorodu, has made a bold entry into sports development with the official launch of its Landmark Soccer Academy and the unveiling of its new sports complex.
The Lagos State Government has pledged full support for the initiative, describing it as a perfect blend of sports and education.
The event, held at the college today, drew dignitaries, sports legends, parents, and students.
Notable attendees included Hon. Damilare Orimoloye, Special Assistant on Sports to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Engr. Waheed Akanni, former Super Eagles International; Mr. Benson Edema; Prince Dapo Ajibade, CEO ABAJ Multilinks Ltd; Mrs. Margaret Olufunke Ademosu, a member of the Landmark College board; as well as the Acting Principal, Mr. Lawal T.W, and Vice Principal, Mr. Akerele Babajide.
Chairman’s Address — A Historic Moment for Ikorodu
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Isiaka Oyebamiji, Chairman and CEO of Landmark College, warmly welcomed all guests.
“Engineer Waheed Akanni a legend in football in this country, a former Super Eagles player, a midfielder in his days — thank you for gracing this occasion. And to his team, Mr. Benson Edema, we really appreciate your coming. The board of Landmark College, ably represented by our mama here, Mrs. Margaret Olufunke Ademosu — thank you for coming, ma’am. The entire management of Landmark College, Ikorodu, our teachers, non-teaching staff, and our esteemed parents — we are here because you are here. If you don’t bring your children here, there is no Landmark College.”
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this historic occasion — the launch of Landmark Soccer Academy. This is historic because, to my knowledge, no other secondary school in Ikorodu has set up a football academy of this standard. The Landmark Soccer Academy is a new addition to the educational services provided by Landmark International School Limited, a company I founded with my family in December 2005. We commenced operations in September 2007 with the establishment of Landmark College, a co-educational secondary school located in this serene environment.”
Oyebamiji explained that Landmark College’s vision is to be a reference point in providing qualitative and self-reliant education for Nigerian children — with a focus on the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains of learning.
“The cognitive deals with acquiring knowledge in useful areas like mathematics, sciences, and languages. The affective covers moral values, character building, emotional growth, and social development. The psychomotor relates to using our bodies — when you kick a ball or run on the pitch, that’s psychomotor. Today, we are celebrating this aspect of education.”
He noted that Landmark College has, over the past 18 years, produced graduates excelling in fields such as medicine, engineering, law, architecture, accounting, and sports — both in Nigeria and abroad.
“About three or four weeks ago, nine of our graduates were called to the Nigerian Bar. We are deeply invested in psychomotor development, talent discovery, and nurturing. That is what inspired this soccer academy.”
Facilities and Global Partnerships
Oyebamiji revealed that the sports complex project began in 2012 with plans for a functional mini stadium capable of hosting multiple sports events. Upcoming facilities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a gymnastics centre, and courts for basketball and volleyball.
“Our soccer academy focuses on grassroots development — catching them young in categories like U10, U13, U15, and U17. We are not stopping at local football; our aim is to produce players who will compete internationally. We have partnerships with Fleetwood Town FC in the UK and Esmoriz FC in Portugal. Every year, our students will visit the UK or Portugal for training and trials. Already, five players have been offered contracts in Portugal and will soon depart.”
“We assure the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Sports Commission, and the Nigeria Sports Commission that greater footballers will emerge from this place by the grace of Almighty God.”
Engr. Waheed Akanni — “This Academy Has Come to Stay”
Former Super Eagles International Engr. Waheed Akanni praised the initiative.
“It’s always a pleasure for me to come around football setups. This is a wonderful idea. In three to five years, you will understand the impact — this academy will produce future legends. Players like Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, and others can emerge from here. The most important thing is that this academy has come to stay, and it will develop many young boys and girls in this community.”
“For you to be part of this launch today means you are part of the future and want to become great yourself. I was here two or three years ago when this place was just sandy ground. Seeing it transformed into a world-class stadium is remarkable. With basketball, volleyball, and other sports coming, this will be a complete sports academy. My advice to all the boys and girls here is to join and develop your skills. Your future will be brighter with Landmark Academy.”
Hon. Orimoloye — Lagos State Will Support Landmark
Representing the state government, Hon. Damilare Orimoloye described the academy as aligning perfectly with the state’s vision for youth development.
“I bring greetings from the Lagos State Government to everyone here. It is a great honour to witness the unveiling of Landmark Soccer Academy — a vision that blends the passion for football with the power of education. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been championing youth development through sports and education, ensuring young talent can thrive both academically and athletically.”
“At the last youth games, Lagos State came third overall. We encourage education as much as we encourage sports, even rewarding young athletes with scholarships through private partnerships. This academy reflects that vision — it’s more than football; it’s a platform to produce complete individuals.”
Orimoloye praised the facilities, particularly the planned Olympic-sized swimming pool and other multi-sport provisions, noting that Ikorodu residents would no longer have to travel far for quality sports infrastructure.
“Landmark Sports Academy is creating a pull factor that will bring people from across Lagos to Ikorodu. The state is developing similar sports arenas elsewhere, so seeing a private entity match those efforts is commendable. We will support Landmark to ensure this dream thrives. To parents, I say — bring your children here. Let’s give them the opportunities we didn’t have growing up.”
Sanusi Aderibigbe — “We Are Building Leaders, Not Just Footballers”
General Manager of the academy, Sanusi Aderibigbe, outlined the academy’s operational model.
“The Landmark Soccer Academy was born from a simple yet powerful idea — to blend academic excellence with world-class football training. We are here to develop leaders, disciplined individuals, and ambassadors of Nigeria’s future. Our ‘Play & Study’ model ensures education is as important as football.”
“We have state-of-the-art facilities, professional coaching, and sports science support. Our global partnerships with Esmoriz FC in Portugal and Fleetwood Town FC in the UK provide real opportunities for international exposure. Players will be fully kitted by Joma Sportswear from day one. We aim to build strong squads across U10, U13, U15, and U17 categories, with annual international tours and trials.”
He urged parents to see the academy as an investment in their children’s future and encouraged young players to “dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves.”
A Festive Finish
The launch ended on an energetic note with a penalty championship, drawing cheers from the crowd. Parents, dignitaries, and students left inspired by Landmark College’s commitment to combining academic excellence with sporting opportunity — a move many believe will put Ikorodu on the map for grassroots sports development.
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