… Commission unveils logo, tightens noose on illegal operators
… Set to open office in 17 LGAs
The Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, ESGC, and operators and stakeholders in the gaming industry have brainstormed to ensure a transparent, responsible, and progressive gaming environment in the state.
The stakeholders engagement, which was held in Enugu on Thursday, also witnessed the unveiling of the Commission’s new logo.
In his address, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, informed the stakeholders that the state government was set to strengthen and enhance operational efficiency in the industry through the introduction of Gaming Commission Offices across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state, with Gaming Inspectors working round the clock to ensure adherence to the established rule and regulations in the industry by the operators.
According to Arum, the 17 local government offices would serve as a direct point of engagement, bringing the Commission’s services closer to operators and ensuring speedy resolution of complaints.
He equally announced the state’s readiness to commence the implementation of official Gaming Approval Signage, which he said was a critical step towards distinguishing licensed operators from unlicensed entities.
In his views, the signages would enhance consumer confidence and promote accountability across the industry, while maintaining that all gaming activities would now require physical booths or shops with verifiable addresses to signal a move toward a more structured and professional industrial landscape.
“We present two major milestones that reflect the Commission’s evolving vision. The first is the new logo, a symbol of our dedication to innovation, integrity and excellence. The second is the much-anticipated Rangers FC Support Raffle Project, a partnership that combines sports and gaming to create shared value for the community.
“Additionally, we present and outline our Good Cause Projects, demonstrating how gaming revenues will contribute to education, healthcare, and other vital areas. We are confident that this forum will spark insightful discussions, foster collaboration, and inspire new possibilities for the gaming sector,” Arum said.
In his address, the Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Ekene Nnamani appreciated the stakeholders for partnering with the state, insisting that Enugu State under the present administration of Governor Peter Mbah, was guaranteeing ease of doing business for investors and business owners.
Nnamani said that the administration’s huge vision of $30bn economy could only be realized when people are winning and excelling in their businesses.
“The state has started calibrating and recalibrating all our economy, starting from road infrastructure, education, health, tourism and also revamping all the moribund assets and companies. So, I believe that your partnership with the state is very consequential in this march. We want to assure that our state is safe and will de-risk all the investment you are making in Enugu so that you can contribute your utmost to the growth of the state’s economy,” Nnamani said.
Meanwhile, a renowned stakeholder in the gaming industry, who is also the MD/CEO, Goflux Services Limited, Mr. Udukheli Izebuno appreciated the state government for the effort to ensure that gaming in Enugu State is safe, well-regulated and inclusive.
“We, as operators and stakeholders, must integrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, allocate funds for community development, and promote eco-friendly practices in the industry. As we stand on the cusp of this transformative journey, let us seize this moment to build a gaming environment that reflects the aspirations of Enugu State. Together, we can harness the opportunities, address the challenges, and secure a prosperous future for all,” he said.
Also, the representative of Marsbet 365 limited, Barr. Ola Onyegbula, lauded the Executive Secretary of the Commission for making good proposals, saying that although putting up structures by promoters may not be easy, it would go a long way in helping Nigerians in dentifying authentic lottery outlets.