NLRC LAUNCHES THE NATIONAL GAME

10 Aug NLRC LAUNCHES THE NATIONAL GAME

Posted at 10:16h in New by Lead-BCWM

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– It will positively impact the lives of Nigerians – Speaker

– National Game will increase FG’s revenue, create more jobs, and fund, good causes – DG NLRC

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila ( c) leads other dignitaries in unveiling the National Game Machine and performs the maiden draw

The Congress Hall of the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja onthe 18th July 2022, was all pomp and pageantry recently when the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, NLRC and ELRAE Technologies Limited launched the long-awaited Nigeria National Game and the unveiling of its logo. The epoch-making event: the first of its kind, in the history of gaming and lottery in Nigeria attracted high-caliber government functionaries, reputable industry stakeholders, as well as invited members of the public. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, RT Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila and the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs Senator George Akume, led other top government officials to the launch described as a catalyst to improved revenue for the government, as well as a source of succor to Nigerians.

Giving his keynote address, the Speaker congratulated the Director General NLRC, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila and his team for the launch, adding that it is a credit to the Commission and an iconic moment that all stakeholders should be proud of; he said shows that through hard work and dogged determination, a remarkable feat can be attained.

The Speaker stressed the need to have a robust, practical and responsive regulatory framework which he said is the intention behind the National Gaming Bill 2020 being considered presently at the National Assembly. According to him, “this legislation will accommodate all stakeholders’ interests; define payable tax fees, and identify problems concerning lottery operations and general regulations of the gaming industry in Nigeria; the Bill will also place the National Game on a strong footing and create the necessary condition for the gaming industry to operate responsibly and profitably”.

Speaker Opening Remarks

The Hon. Speaker added that as much as lottery and gaming have been a force of goodwill, there is also a documented history of serious adverse effects of irresponsible gaming and addiction and advised the NLRC to do all within its powers to prevent this possible outcome. He advised the Commission and its gaming consultants, ELRAE Technologies to be proactive in implementing mechanisms to ensure responsible gaming, whilst reiterating that the National Gaming must be a platform for good.

He noted further that the sustainability of the Lottery/ Gaming industry in Nigeria can be attributed to the satisfaction and enthusiasm exhibited by a winner in a lottery scheme as it not only satisfies the player but has contributed tremendously to society’s good. Although not everyone is fortunate to win, with the few that win, there is always a multiplier effect, as Lottery remains a force for good in society. Through Lottery wealth is redistributed and money generated from sales of Lottery tickets is used for good cause projects that improve communities and the public good.

The Hon. Speaker stated that in the United Kingdom, the National lottery community fund has since 2004 disbursed over 9 billion pounds to fund good cause projects, this includes programs to fund veterans and their families, executing public projects and creating economic opportunities for millions of people. He added that proceeds from the lottery have been used in the past for funding monumental projects like the Great Wall of China’s building and hosting the 2012 Olympic Games in the United Kingdom.

He thanked the Honourable Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume who over sighted the NLRC alongside the DG NLRC for making history, whilst urging that both operators and regulators must ensure transparency and a high level of integrity in their respective roles. He further congratulated the NLRC and its partners ELRAE Technologies for the achievement and believes that in no distant time, the National Games will begin to pay royalties and taxes to develop communities and promote public welfare as obtained in other parts of the world.

“I look forward to the time when the National Games will positively impact the lives of the Nigerian People”, the Speaker stated.

In his address, the Honourable Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume applauded the NLRC for leading the initiative. He thanked other stakeholders for their effort and shared commitment to making the launch a reality. The idea of a National Game he said was an evasive aspiration since the enactment of the National Lottery Act in 2005 and the establishment of the FMSDIGA in 2019 and his assumption of office, the Ministry recognized the urgent need to quickly implement the Nigeria National Game and harness the potential benefits.

The Honourable Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume gave his remarks at the event.

Senator Akume stated that the main goal for the official launch of the Nigeria National Game was that all worthy stakeholders would synergize and work together to make the gaming industry more viable, and boost significant employment opportunities in line with the President’s directives that all MDA’s should initiate programmes that generate employment to the youths, as well as the sustainability of economic growth and development. The gaming industry, according to the Senator should be rejuvenated to be a vehicle for enduring wealth creation and value-added services to the national economy, especially at a time the country is exploring other means to widen and strengthen its revenue streams.

Senator Akume expressed concern over the proliferation of foreign games stating that “most concerning was the proliferation of unregulated foreign games in Nigeria and export of revenues due to heavy patronage by Nigerians.

It was apparent that Nigeria needed its own National lottery brand. Stakeholders agreed that a National Lottery would reposition the domestic lottery industry, better secure Nigerian players, enhance operational performance and deliver revenues to the government”.

The Minister assured that his Ministry will provide the necessary assistance to ensure the success and viability of the scheme. He enjoined all stakeholders to support it, adding that it would be the only way for it to succeed and contribute to revenue generation for the government. “With our population and passionate sport culture, Nigeria is a fertile environment for a scheme like this to thrive” he added.

Permanent Secretary, FMSDIGA Mrs Ibiene Roberts giving an address

Similarly, Permanent Secretary FMSDIGA, Mrs Ibiene Roberts in her goodwill message harped on the compelling need for the country to look beyond other money-generating avenues to sustain Nigeria’s economy, adding that the launch of the National Game was indeed very strategic in that regard. She said the ministry eagerly awaits the fruitful outcome in terms of revenue generation.

DG, NLRC, Lanre Gbajabiamila reading his welcome address

Earlier, the Director General NLRC Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila in his welcome address said that the National Game is an avenue for the Nigerian gaming community to have its indigenous draws and self-identified transparent gaming which will be an added advantage for the Nigerian Gaming Community. According to him, it signifies transparency and accountability and gives Nigerian gaming its brand.

Nigeria, he pointed out, has joined the world in regulating the gaming industry to harness its potential and increase revenue generation for the nation thereby curbing overreliance on foreign games.

“Previously, the Nigerian playing public had been playing Ghana games, but it became imperative for the country to establish its National Games for wealth creation in the form of job opportunities and income generation. An indigenous game for Nigerians, by Nigerians to the world has been long overdue. ” This outstanding success is a result of many efforts and measures to provide a world standard national game” the DG stated.

Speaking furthermore, Gbajabiamila said the NLRC as a regulatory body, has put strategic measures in place to prevent some of the concerns raised previously; such as underage gaming and addiction. He stated that the importance of the lottery industry cannot be over-emphasized as it fosters unity amongst communities, funds good causes projects, increases economic value by creating jobs and is also an essential contributor to government revenue in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s 10-Point Development Agenda.

The DG assured the expansion of the games across borders, as evident in the presence of the Directors-General of Lottery Regulatory bodies from other West African countries at the launch. He further solicited solidarity, support and respect from individuals, corporations, government agencies, operators and communities for the success of the industry at large.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Gbajabiamila expressed profound gratitude to all levels of government, the Honourable Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the immediate past members of the Governing Board of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Operators, National Game Consultant and the entire Management team and staff of the Commission for their unalloyed support, diligence and dedication.

In the same vein, the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Dr. Bello Maigari represented by the Director, Accounts and Finance Mr. Yusuf Tegina, commended the NLRC whilst pledging support for the success of the National Game. He assured that revenue generated will be directed towards good causes in Nigeria.

DG, National Lottery Authority Ghana, Mr Samuel Awuku speaking at the launch of the Nigerian National Game

In his goodwill message, the Director General, National Lottery Authority of Ghana, Mr. Samuel Awuku, said Nigerians have been playing the Ghana games for the past 25 years, but now have theirs which is laudable. He applauded the NLRC for the achievement, adding that it is a shared achievement for the West African Sub-region and Africa as a whole, particularly the Anglophone lottery bodies.

He, however, advised that the 6/49 games be conducted with integrity, accountability and transparency in order to earn trust and confidence of the players and stakeholders. While pointing out the importance of the industry, Awuku said revenues generated from lottery, especially in the West, have contributed to education, infrastructural development and poverty alleviation. He added that while all these are important, it is worthy to prioritize the act of giving back to the people, the community and the society in which the industry operates as investing in good causes will not only endear the public to the organization but give them a sense of assurance and confidence to keep bringing their money back.

The Director General National Lottery of Cote D’Ivoire, Mr. Dramane Coulibaly (represented) encouraged the NLRC to remain in progress and innovation which are qualities of success. He announced the upcoming membership of the NLRC in the African Lottery Association (ALA) and hopes that Ghana and Nigerian Lottery bodies participate fully in ALA to strengthen the scope of lottery in the continent.

The Director General National Lottery of Cote D’Ivoire, Mr. Dramane Coulibaly (represented)

The highlight of the launch was the inaugural lucky winners who emerged in the raffle draw as well as the unveiling of the National Game logo.

The vote of thanks was delivered by the Nigeria National Game Consultant Mr. Onyekachi Onyebudu of ELRAE Technologies. They thanked all present for their time, effort, support and beliefs to the realization of the Nigeria National Game which will further develop and strengthen the unity of the country, as well as contribute to its development.