Ghana’s Director General of National Lottery Authority (NLA) has asked the Nigerian National Lottery Regulatory Commissions (NLRC) to endeavor to earn the trust of its cherished patrons and other stakeholders by conducting its games with the highest sense of integrity, accountability and transparency.
This, according to Sammi Awuku, will help to instill confidence in players of the game in that country.
The NLA boss gave the advice in a goodwill message in Nigeria on Monday at Transcop Hilton in Abuja, when NLRC launched their first ever national lottery game called the 6/49 Game.
This is the first time Nigeria has developed its own game. Before this day, the Nigerian playing public had been relying on games from Ghana’s NLA, however, it has become imperative for the country to establish its own national games for revenue generation for the state, wealth creation for the public and job opportunities.
Mr. Awuku, emphasized the importance of responsible gaming saying “I would entreat a strong adherence to the proper and correct practices. Amongst many, advertising responsibly and ensuring that minors are not involved in the lottery business. The onus lies on you to make a difference”.
He added that research has shown that revenue generated from lottery globally, especially in Western countries, is a major form of contribution to education, infrastructure and social development.
In this regard, he told the Nigerians, “while it is important that you generate revenue to support the state, alleviate poverty within communities and amongst the citizenry, and make players benefit; you must prioritize with utmost importance, the act of giving back to the people, the community and the society in which you operate”.
“This is because investing in good causes will not only endear the people to you, but also give them a sense of assurance and the confidence to keep bringing their money back to you”.
Mr. Awuku, added “as pacesetters of lottery in the sub-region, we at the National Lottery Authority of Ghana (NLA) are ever ready to lend you all the support you need; you can always count on us for assistance and guidance as you navigate your way in this new venture”.
The Director General of the NLRC, Lanre Gbajabiamila noted that “an indigenous game for Nigerians by Nigerians to the world has been long overdue. This desire has been in the pipeline for decades. Now we are all gathered here because it has come to fruition”.
He explained that “the air of anticipation and apprehension is very evident today as gaming has a long history dating back to prehistoric times, as far back as ancient Rome and even further back. “It has changed from then to now, with the central aspect remaining the same”.
To him, “Nigeria has joined the world in regulating the gaming industry to harness its potential and increase revenue generation for the nation.
An elated NLRC boss described the event as an “outstanding success” saying it is as a result of many efforts and measures to provide a world-standard national game, adding “we will require more solidarity, support and respect from individuals, corporations, other government agencies, operators and communities because the journey ahead will be uneasy”.
He pledged that the NLRC will do its best to address the many challenges of an increasingly hostile and ever fragile world recovering from an unprecedented crisis.
“Our best efforts will become outdated as we aspire to surpass our achievements, remain dynamic, and seize available opportunities”.
“Thankfully, the COVID-19 siege is over, and the gaming industry is still standing. We are more determined than ever to build bridges, bring Nigeria together in peace and solidarity, and celebrate the unity of humanity in all our diversity”.
Senator Dr. George Akume Minister of Special Duties and Inter- governmental affairs who spoke on behalf of the Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari noted that “the most important benefit of the National Game is that it translates to significant employment opportunities in line with Mr. President’s directives to all MDAs to initiate programmed that generate employment for our teeming youths.”
Nigeria, he continued “is currently exploring other means to widen and strengthen its revenue streams in order to fund its annual budgets rather than resorting to borrowing. Hence the compelling need for the federal government to look beyond oil and gas, taxation etc to sustain the Nigerian economy”.
The event was chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria.
The chairman praised the NLRC for this initiative and said the history of the Nigerian lottery will not forget the day.
Mr. Awuku was accompanied by the Deputy Director General Anna Horma Miezah, Director of Operations Dr. George Gyamfi-Osew, Director of Legal Juliana Bruce Afumwaa, Head of HR Head of Sales Dokyi Peasah, Manager Marketing Bernard Buamah and Public Relations Manager, Goodfellow Dei Ofei
The rest were the Head of Customer Service Dorcas Nortey, Manager IT Maame Kessey Birago and some representatives of Lotto Marketing Companies.
