Nigeria to host international lottery, gaming conference Oct 31

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) says Nigeria is set to host lottery and gaming industry giants from across the world.

In a statement on Friday by Magnus Ekechukwu, deputy director, public affairs, NLRC, the commission said industry bigwigs will come from the USA, UK, South Africa, and Botswana, among other countries of the world.

NLRC said it is concluding arrangements for the first international gaming conference in Nigeria.

The 2-day conference, the commission said, will be held at Victoria Island, Lagos on October 31, 2023 and November 1.

“Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Zephaniah Jisalo is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour, while Mr. Sam Awulu, the Director General of National Lottery Authority, Ghana, would deliver the keynote address at the conference scheduled to be attended by all the notable stakeholders, operators and players in the industry in the country,” the commission said. 

NLRC said there would be goodwill messages from Yemi Adaramodu, chairman, senate committee on youth and sports; Ahmed Aliyu Abdulahi, chairman of house of representatives committee on intergovernmental affairs; and Bello Maigari, executive secretary of the  National Lottery Trust Fund. 

NLRC said the international conference will be rounded off with a gala night where outstanding operators and players in the lottery industry will be given awards in different categories.

Speaking to journalists in his Abuja office, Lanre Gbajabiamila, director-general of the NLRC, said the commission has put all the necessary arrangements in place for a successful conference.

Gbajabiamila said the elevation of the gaming conference, which commenced in 2021, to an international standard was in consonance with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.  

The agenda, he said, is hinged on higher effectiveness at all sectors of government for greater governance, improved resources and better life for all Nigerians.

The NLRC boss said the commission was totally committed to the agenda, maintaining that he would spare no efforts in his avowed determination to make the lottery a major revenue earner for the country.