What the Bet9ja Foundation has done so far in 2026

Since January 2026, Bet9ja Foundation has been moving. From scholarship halls in Lagos to police colleges across the country, from a Warri sports ground on Good Friday to a business accelerator pulling entries from every state, the Foundation has kept its foot on the ground, doing the work that matters most to the people of Nigeria.

This year, the Foundation has invested in education, community welfare, youth enterprise, and sports development on a scale it has not seen before. The numbers speak for themselves: over 200 university scholarships awarded, 3,000 mattresses donated to Nigeria's police force, 700-plus Nigerians attending free wellness sessions, and a business grant pool of up to 33 million naira opened to Nigerian entrepreneurs. All of that in five months.

This press release covers all confirmed projects, initiatives, and recognitions that the Bet9ja Foundation has delivered in 2026 through May.

1. Over 200 Nigerian undergraduates receive full tuition scholarships

On 10 January 2026, Bet9ja Foundation held the second edition of its Undergraduate Scholarship Awards Ceremony in Lagos. More than 200 Nigerian university students received full tuition coverage, double the number supported in the programme's inaugural 2024 edition.

The scholarship is open to students in their third or fourth year at Nigerian public universities with a CGPA of 4.0 or above. Winners receive full tuition payment, and the ceremony itself gives scholars the chance to compete for cash prizes of up to 300,000 naira on stage.

Executive Director Gloria Ada Cuomo addressed the scholars directly at the ceremony:

“This scholarship represents our belief in education as a powerful driver of national progress. We are investing in students who have demonstrated excellence and resilience and who will go on to shape the future of Nigeria. Growing from 100 scholars to over 200 in just our second edition shows our commitment to doing more and reaching further."

Among the beneficiaries, Anjroin Abdulwarith Adeniyi of Lagos State University and Olarongbe Lukman both publicly acknowledged the Foundation's support after receiving their tuition refunds.

2. 3,000 Mattresses donated to Nigerian police colleges nationwide

On 12 March 2026, the Bet9ja Foundation donated 3,000 mattresses to Nigerian Police training colleges nationwide. The donation was presented at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja by Dr Ayo Ojuroye, MD/CEO of Bet9ja and Trustee of the Foundation, alongside Executive Director Ada Cuomo, Marketing Manager Omotola Oronti, Head of Legal and Compliance at Bet9ja, Barrister Adewale Akanji, and Project Liaison Manager Yetunde Osunnuga.

Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu and Deputy Inspector General Isyaku Mohammed received the donation on behalf of the Force.

Dr Ojuroye spoke at the event:

“Today, on behalf of myself, the management of Bet9ja, and the Bet9ja Foundation, we are proud to donate 3,000 mattresses in support of our men and women in uniform. Nation-building is a civic responsibility that all of us must partake in. It is not solely the duty of the government."

IGP Disu added:

“This contribution addresses a need within our training institutions. Comfortable rest facilities are essential to the morale, dignity, and performance of our officers, and we commend Bet9ja Foundation for recognising this and taking action."

The mattresses have been distributed to police colleges in multiple states, as part of the Foundation's work in the community infrastructure pillar.

3. Fitness Festival 3.0 draws 700+ participants in Warri

On Good Friday, 3 April 2026, Bet9ja Foundation returned to Warri, Delta State, for the third edition of its Fitness Festival. Starting at 6:00 a.m. at Delta Mall, the event brought over 700 people together for a morning of aerobics, HIIT, Afro Dance, Tabata, Zumba and yoga.

Free medical screenings were available on-site, with over 300 screenings conducted throughout the day. Fourteen experienced coaches led the sessions, and the Inter-Gym Challenge, one of the festival's most talked-about segments, was won by Mazino Gym of Warri.

The first Fitness Festival launched on 29 March 2024 and drew over 500 attendees. The 2025 edition ran at the same venue. By its third year, the event had become an expected part of the Warri community calendar.

Omotola Oronti, Manager of Marketing and Communications at Bet9ja Foundation, said:

“With each edition, we are building more than an event. We are building a culture. The Fitness Festival reflects our commitment to promoting health and wellness within Nigerian communities. Seeing over 700 people show up, move together, and prioritise their wellbeing is a powerful reminder that change is possible when we create the right platforms."

4. ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2.0 launches with up to 33 Million Naira in grants

On 1 April 2026, Bet9ja Foundation opened applications for ScaleUp Business Accelerator 2.0, its flagship programme for Nigerian entrepreneurs. Applications closed on 30 April 2026.

The programme provides each selected business with a non-dilutive grant of up to 3 million naira, along with 10 weeks of structured training, mentorship, access to investors, and a Demo and Pitch Night. The total grant pool committed for this cohort is up to 33 million naira.

To qualify, a business must be registered in Nigeria, have been operational for at least six months, and be generating revenue.

ScaleUp 2.0 builds directly on the success of the first cohort, whose grand prize winner, Abraham Babarinde, founder of Martech Stores, took home 10 million naira. Runners-up each received 5 million naira in addition to their grants.

Ada Cuomo said of the launch:

“ScaleUp is more than a funding initiative. It is a platform for transformation. We are equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to build sustainable businesses."

5. Bet9ja Foundation backs the 2026 Lagos Ex-Internationals cup with 40 Million Naira

Bet9ja Foundation has committed 40 million naira to the second edition of the Lagos Ex-Internationals Cup, a football tournament celebrating Nigerian football legends, organised in partnership with the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA).

The tournament draw was scheduled for 22 May 2026. FC Nwosu, named after Super Eagles legend Henry Nwosu, enters the competition as the defending champions after winning the inaugural 2024 edition.

LSFA Chairman Hajj Gafar Olawale Liameed expressed his appreciation for the support:

“We are thankful for the tremendous support from Bet9ja Foundation and the personal interest demonstrated by Honourable Soname. This partnership provides us with the opportunity to honour our legends and use their stories to inspire young talents throughout Lagos."

Foundation Chairman Hon. Kunle Soname personally recommended the Ex-Internationals Cup as a project and appointed a Foundation director to coordinate with the LSFA on planning and logistics.

About Bet9ja Foundation

Bet9ja Foundation is a philanthropic organisation committed to improving lives across Nigeria through targeted interventions in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, sports development, and community infrastructure, with a focus on sustainable, people-centred impact.

Media Enquiries

Bet9ja Foundation Communications

Website: www.bet9jafoundation.org

Instagram: @bet9ja_foundation

Twitter/X: @Bet9jaFndation

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bet9jafoundation_

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Source: Legit.ng