The business of gaming and lottery is surely thriving in the city of Lagos as the state’s Lotteries Board disclosed that it had surpassed its target for 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget had set a target for the agency but at the moment, it has recorded over 100 percent performance.
Speaking at the 2020 Lagos Gaming Operators’ Dinner and Awards Ceremony, held on Wednesday at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Lotteries Board, Mr. Bashir Abiola Are, said the enviable accomplishment amid the numerous challenges within the year was a testament to the Grace of God and the tenacity of a relentless team of hardworking individuals at the Board.
He advised the operators to always focus on positivity and called for full support and commitment of lottery operators in the state towards achieving its set plans to make Lagos gaming sector the best in Africa.
“As we are approaching another year of uncertainty, it is imperative for us to always focus on positivity. We must be open-minded to challenges and always try to see the light at the end of the tunnel. As the Agency aims to raise the bar higher next year, we will need the full support of operators by working together to achieve our individual set goals and objectives,” he said.
Commending both the Lagos State Governor and his deputy who has been a reliable partner-in-growth for their sterling leadership qualities, the Chief Executive Officer maintained that the Governor’s astute headship of the present administration has resulted in the steadfast progress currently being experienced in all sectors despite the unfortunate global pandemic in Y2020.
The LSLB boss also applauded the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Rabiu Olowo, Lagos State House of Assembly and the Law Reforms Commission for their immense support, commitment and contributions to ensuring that the LSLB exceeded its targeted revenue in no small measure amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her address, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sanwo-Olu on State Lotteries, Ms. Olufunmilola Olotu, urged all stakeholders to give Lagos State Lotteries Board their support and commitment towards achieving the set plans to make the Lagos gaming sector the best in Africa, as well as to promote entertainment and tourism as encapsulated in the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.
Olotu said LSLB has collaborated with lottery operators in the State and held series of meetings to come up with a detailed framework for the actualisation of Eko Games, adding that the Board will champion the event and oversee the total operations of the games to ensure a controlled and regulated lottery sector in the State.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Finance, Mr. Rotimi Olowo, said “The Lagos State Lotteries Board is more like a philanthropist agent of the government. We appreciate the fact that the money accrued to the agency is spent on good programmes that border on the improvement of infrastructure, socio-economic development and effective healthcare delivery among others”.
The highlight of the event was the awards in various categories, which were given to about 19 operators in the sector including the renowned philanthropist, Sir Kessington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu); Premier Lotto; Golden Chance Ventures Limited; DigiBay Limited; SV Gaming Limited; KC gaming Network Limited and Over the Top Entertainment Limited among others.
