13 May Lanre Gbajabiamila: Pioneering Innovation and Leadership in Nigeria’s Lottery Sector

Lanre Gbajabiamila: Pioneering Innovation and Leadership in Nigeria’s Lottery Sector

Amidst a flurry of recent accolades and recognitions, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila (OON), Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), stands as a beacon of innovation and leadership in Nigeria and Africa’s lottery industry.

“When I first started, they said oit is gambling, and I changed that word gambling gaming because I believe it’s entertainment”

However, his recent strides are unsurprising considering his humble beginnings and subsequent ascent to esteemed heights.

These accomplishments truly reflect his profound dedication to advancing the nation’s gaming landscape and socioeconomic progress.

Prior to Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila’s entrance into the lottery scene, the sector was plagued by obscurity, skepticism, and misconceptions. However, his visionary leadership and innovative approach have revolutionized the perception of lottery in Nigeria, propelling it from a state of obscurity to remarkable prominence.

One of Gbajabiamila’s most notable contributions was his strategic rebranding of gambling as gaming.’ This subtle yet impactful linguistic shift reframed lottery as a legitimate form of entertainment, fostering wider societal acceptance and dismantling long-held stigmas associated with gambling.

DG, NLRC , Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila (OON)

His words: “When I first started, they said that lottery is gambling, and I changed that word gambling to gaming because I believe it’s entertainment”.

“Lottery’s where you play, where you try your luck either for fun or also for contribution; social contribution to help the government. If you win, good. If you don’t win, you’re still a winner because you’ve done a little bit of charity to the government to use the funds for good causes in all the sectors that it is required for.”

By repositioning lottery as gaming, Gbajabiamila opened doors to new possibilities and paved the way for its integration into mainstream culture.

His efforts extended far beyond mere semantics. He recognized the untapped potential of lottery as a revenue-generating mechanism when he was at the helm of affairs at the Lagos State Lotteries Board and now, he regulates and generates revenue for the federal government at the Commission.

Through tireless advocacy and strategic policymaking, he has repositioned lottery as a cornerstone of fiscal sustainability, championing its role as a significant contributor to government coffers.

Mr. Gbajabiamila’s groundbreaking achievements in the lottery industry have garnered a plethora of recognitions, underscoring his ransformative impact. From the recent Pioneer CEO Award at the Africa Gaming Expo in Lagos, to the Special Award of Recognition from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, and the formal Induction into the Africa Hall of Fame at the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) in London, his accolades testify to his role in reshaping the narrative of the lottery industry.

These esteemed accolades serve as a testament to his unparalleled contributions to the evolution of Nigeria’s lottery industry and by extension, Africa. As the pioneer who sparked a paradigm shift and catalyzed the sector’s growth, Mr. Gbajabiamila rightfully earned this distinction, symbolizing his pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of lottery in Nigeria.

His legacy extends beyond accolades and awards; it is woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s socioeconomic landscape. His relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to innovation have propelled the lottery industry to new heights, transforming it into a vital engine of economic growth and societal development.

As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of the modern gaming landscape, his vision and leadership serve as guiding beacons, inspiring future generations to embrace possibility, challenge convention, and redefine the boundaries of what is achievable.

His career journey laid a sturdy foundation for the challenges and opportunities that awaited him in the dynamic world of lottery regulation. His formative years in Lagos equipped him with the resilience and adaptability necessary to navigate the complexities of the gaming industry at the federal level.

Despite his extensive educational background and professional experience, Mr. Gbajabiamila often attributes his entry into the lottery sector to serendipity. He humbly acknowledges that he “stumbled” into this realm by chance, a testament to his humility and recognition of the unpredictable nature of life’s twists and turns.

In reflecting on his career trajectory, Mr. Gbajabiamila consistently acknowledges the guiding hand of a higher power. He attributes his successes and achievements, not solely to his own efforts, but also to divine providence. For him, faith has been an integral compass, guiding him along his professional journey and instilling in him a sense of purpose and direction.

With an illustrious twenty-one years of unwavering dedication in the sector, Mr. Gbajabiamila, often affectionately referred to as “Mr. Lottery,” has indelibly shaped the landscape of gaming and entertainment. His transformative leadership, culminating in his current role as the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s apex lottery agency, has left an indelible mark on the industry.

Commencing his journey as an operator in 2003, Mr. Gbajabiamila spent nearly a decade as the head regulator in Lagos State before assuming his current designation. Throughout his tenure, Nigeria’s leaders have recognized and lauded his remarkable contributions to the growth and development of the lottery business.

A notable highlight of his tenure includes the creation of jobs, a testament to his commitment to fostering economic prosperity. Today, he eagerly awaits the launch of the Central Monitoring System (CMS), his groundbreaking initiative that is set to revolutionize the gaming ecosystem. With real-time online tracking capabilities, the CMS is poised to catalyze the sector’s exponential expansion, propelling it into its next phase of growth and innovation.

Mr Gbajabiamila’s success at the national level is not by happenstance. He had worked in the lottery sector for years in Lagos, the economic nerve centre of Nigeria. But now, he is superintending all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. His stint in Lagos, however, has provided the 59-year-old technocrat the launching pad.

As the quinquagenarian continues to chart new horizons and inspire future generations, his legacy as a trailblazer in the Nigerian lottery industry remains indelibly etched in the annals of history. Through his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, he exemplifies the transformative power of passion and perseverance in driving positive change.

By Tony Udoka