26 Apr NLRC Staff Applaud Gbajabiamila’s Re-appointment, Pray for Prosperous Second Tenure
NLRC Staff Applaud Lanre Gbajabiamila’s Re-appointment, Pray for Prosperous Tenure
By Nnenna Onwudiwe
National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) staff members have applauded the re-appointment of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila as Director-General of the Commission for another four-year term.
Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila Director-General; The Presidency National Lottery Regulatory Commission
In a vox pop conducted by the Commission’s media crew on the DG’s reappointment, some staff echoed a unanimous expectation for both staff and the lottery industry.
They expressed optimism that his second term would consolidate the gains achieved so far in the pursuit of the industry’s growth, as well as prosper the staff community via improved welfare.
One of our respondents, Mrs. Olanrewaju Ajayi (Public Affairs Unit) said she was happy about Mr. Gbajabiamila’s re-appointment because he had begun some worthy projects during his first tenure; like the Central Monitoring System (CMS), the National Game, among others. His return means these projects will be pursued to fruition.
“We are aware that the CMS is close to becoming a reality and this would mean great revenue to the Federal Government and the Commission. I have no doubt that this target will be reached by God’s grace. I wish him good health and success all the way,” Ajayi said.
For Mr. Ntekop Samuel in ICT; Mr. Gbajabiamila has invested significantly in human capital development in the commission and he is glad the Federal Government has given him a chance to do more in this regard; according to him, this second tenure is a robust opportunity for the DG to take the Commission to another level of greatness.
“To a certain degree, the DG has invested in human capital, but I honestly do feel there’s a need for more (more training and other measures of staff motivation). With regards to the lottery industry, I would expect that we are pulled in (as the regulators that we are) to galvanize and harness the potentials of the industry,” Samuel opined.
According to Mr. Rukevwe Ben in Licensing and Operations; the administration of Mr. Gbajabiamila has been that of hope. He believes his reappointment will give room for the continuity and development of the Commission.
“I’m generally happy about the reappointment because it gives room for continuity and putting ideas into execution. I am hopeful that this second tenure will also offer bigger opportunities to both staff and the lottery industry, giving the DG’s experience from both state and national levels. His reappointment has led to the successful kickoff of the National Game and this is indeed a big step towards shoring up revenue for the Commission. There’s hope that we will see the CMS run and the National Gaming Bill to fruition; better staff welfare and growth of the industry,” he said.
Similarly, Ibe Chinwe in Appointment is of the view that the DG’s reappointment will help calm the turbulence experienced during his first tenure. She went further to urge the DG to use this opportunity as Father of the Commission, to forgive possible misgivings.
“First of all, I want to congratulate the DG because the reappointment is an honor well deserved. For me, I feel it is a welcomed development being someone with trusted knowledge of the lottery business/industry. I see it as another chance to bring to full implementation all that he has planned to achieve; Staff are positioned to give our unflinching support because this is an opportunity to press on progressively towards our collective goals,” Ibe concluded.
Another staff, Mr. Sule Shawulu (Transport) said he has been unwavering in his faith that the DG will do well because he is a man with vast knowledge of the lottery industry.
“Firstly, going by the DG’s background in lottery, you will agree with me that his second term is a welcome development. We have faith that he is conversant with the lottery terrain. It is a continuum, so we expect that he does meet his set targets for the Commission.
Mrs. Olufasan Yemisi in Registry Unit is of the view that the DG’s reappointment will help the Commission shore up more revenue. According to her, Mr. Gbajabiamila has been dogged in his revenue drive since he assumed office and this second tenure will help boost the revenue drive of the Commission.
“His expertise has been evidently helpful and the image of the Commission is better today. We are evolving and it will be a greater one for us all by God’s grace,” he added.
NLRC DG LanreGbajabiamila
For Mr. Balogun Yusuf in Planning and Research Unit; it’s another opportunity to take the Commission to where we are supposed to be. He asserted that the DG’s return will advance the cause for staff welfare improvement and development of the industry because that has been his commitment from day one.
“Staff welfare can be improved for increased input (overtime allowance and other allowances should be given consideration). Generally, there’s room for more, and we are hopeful it happens,” Yusuf said
According to Mrs. Ezeadua Rita in Welfare Unit; all hope is not lost concerning everything the DG promised staff when he assumed office. She added that her expectations remain high and that this is the time he will undoubtedly accomplish all God has laid in his heart for the Commission.
“Honestly, it is a pleasant expectation, because personally, I’ve known the DG to be the best man for the Commission from the onset.
My expectations remain high in terms of staff welfare improvement. In his first tenure, he fought seen and unseen battles, now that the teething problems are over, I look forward o our phase of harvest”.
For Achugbu Chigozie in Planning and Research Unit; the DG’s first tenure was somewhat challenging, but he managed to weather the storm.
She added that the next Four years of the Commission will be positioned towards development, especially staff welfare and better salary structure. “The DG’s first Four years were somewhat challenging due to some unfavorable government policies, which (to the glory of God) were totally sur-mounted. The next four years is expected to manifest his promises towards staff welfare (salary structure, and the condition of service)”.
Concluding the interviews, Mrs. Uzaigbe Deborah in the Central Pay Office; revealed that she personally prayed for the DG’s reappointment with the hope that his second regime will bring more prosperity to the Commission and the lottery industry.
“I’m glad the DG came back; it is what I personally prayed for. Our expectation is management that will favour all and enhance the staff welfare. We pray that the events in the pipeline will come to a reality and that the lottery industry will be one of the leading agencies in Nigeria”.