25 Apr NATIONAL GAME WILL IMPACT EVERY SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY; Director – General National Lottery Regulatory Commission(NLRC))
NATIONAL GAME WILL IMPACT EVERY SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY -DG NLRC
By Ngozi Aneke
Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila has assured Nigerians that; revenue generated from the newly launched National Game would go a long way in positively impacting every sector of the Nigerian economy.
NLRC DG, MR. Lanre Gbajabiamila (right) with the MD of National Lottery Mr Layi Onafowokan during the launch in Abuja
Mr. Gbajabiamila, who spoke whilst delivering a goodwill message at the operational launch of the National Lottery Nigeria (NLN) in Abuja, said that the journey had been long but he was elated it had come to fruition.
The DG further expressed optimism that the NLN is what the lottery industry needs at this time because Nigeria has the numbers, the intense knowledge of the game as well as the awareness to make it a success.
According to him, the game will be operated by Nigerians and for Nigerians, with all the local contents that President Muhammadu Buhari has always envisaged and called for.
“The National Lottery Nigeria is built on transparency, accountability, and integrity which is in line with the Core Values of the NLRC. All games played would be duly monitored to ensure compliance, although I have no doubt in my mind that the game would have no hiccups as its operators have studied the Nigerian gaming industry and the gaming industry abroad,” Gbajabiamila said.
The DG further pledged the Commission’s support to operators of the NLN, adding that the lives of Nigerians will change for the better through the Game.
L-R: Representative of Minister of Special Duties & Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Richard
Agwa; DG, NLRC, Lanre Gbajabiamila; ES NLTF, Bello Maigari, MD and NLN, Mr Layi
Onafowokan
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Dr. Bello Maigari in his goodwill message, commended the DG NLRC, his team, and operators of the NLN for remaining dogged in the actualization of the project. He stated further that he is delighted to be part of the launch and that the NLN, which is a vehicle for national development, would bring pro-motion of social inclusiveness in the country.
He also pointed out that in a nation of sports-loving people, games staked by operators would automatically generate interest and acceptability. The brand, he believes, would not only be popular in Nigeria but across West Africa.
Dr. Maigari also assured Nigerians that the NLTF, being the custodian of the National Lottery proceeds in the country and responsible for carrying out approved Good Causes in the country, would live up to her expectations and ensure transparency in promoting good causes in the areas of health, sports, education, social services, as well as disaster management. He concluded that revenues generated and remitted to the Trust Fund would be channeled to proper use.
NLRC DG, MR. Lanre Gbajabiamila (right) with the MD of National Lottery Mr Layi
Onafowokan during the launch in Abuja
On his part, the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, represented by Mr. Richard Agwa, commended the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the NLN and encouraged Nigerians to participate in the National Game.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of National Lottery Nigeria, Mr. Layi Onafowokan, was excited to announce the operational launch of the Game, a platform that offers a range of exciting games using the USSD code *9966#or via the official website www.nationallottery.com
Mr. Onafowokan added that the NLN offers a range of engaging and rewarding games and mouthwatering prizes to players such as the whopping Nigerian Mega Million Jackpot, 6 of 49, Pick 3, and the Instant Win scratch card Games.
This he stressed, gives everyone an opportunity to win.
Mr. Onafowokan observed that since the launch of the NLN in July 2022, the Nigerian Public has displayed tremendous excitement and anticipation to play the National Game. He added that the Flagship game is the Mega million Jackpot of 45 million Naira which has the potential to grow into 100s of millions of Naira. Many Nigerians he noted would be given the opportunity to step into a fortune that could change their lives. A percentage of the proceeds from tickets will also be allocated to various charitable causes which would help to make a positive difference in the lives of Nigerians in the areas of sports, health care delivery, climate change, and other good causes.
The MD commended the DG NLRC for the milestone attained, his support and pivotal role in every lottery conducted so far, and the Commission’s numerous contributions to the growth of the gaming industry.