The Director-General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Lanre Gbajabiamila has been honored with the Africa Gaming Hall of Fame Award of Excellence at the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) in London, United Kingdom (UK).
The award was in recognition of his unwavering dedication, innovation, and leadership in the transformation of the lottery and gaming industry in Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
Gbajabiamila, fondly known as ‘Mr. Lottery’ has been at the forefront of regulatory excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s lottery sector since his appointment as NLRC witnessed unprecedented growth and reform aligning perfectly with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to elevate the lottery business to new heights.
His tenure has been marked by embracing international standards and fostering global partnerships with NLRC’s bi-annual gaming conference, pioneered in 2021 from a national to an international event.
The 2023 conference held in Lagos was a melting pot of experts, operators, and investors from around the world, demonstrating Nigeria’s burgeoning influence in the global gaming industry.
“This elevation of the gaming conference to international status has been a strategic move to attract foreign investment, increase the inflow of resources to Nigeria, and provide a platform for Nigerian gaming industry leaders to network with international giants.
“Gbajabiamila’s leadership has not only opened new revenue streams for the country but also enhanced the gaming experience for Nigerians, ensuring more robust winnings and a more regulated environment.
“During the ICE London Conference, Mr. Gbajabiamila also participated in a pivotal round table discussion themed “Gaming Regulations in Africa: the journey so far, and what the future holds.” Alongside other esteemed gaming experts, he shared insights into the regulatory landscape of the industry, emphasising the importance of fostering local content policies and partnerships to mitigate capital flight from African countries,” a statement from his media office said.
Gbajabiamila had before proceeding to London for the ICE award, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission had in a grand event conferred on him ‘Mr. Lottery’ a Special Recognition Award under the chairmanship of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Presenting the special award, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Engr. Farouk Yusuf Yabo, who stood in for the minister, commended the remarkable contributions of the lottery boss to data protection in Nigeria.
Eulogising Mr. Gbajabiamila, the Minister said: “ Your steadfast support and contributions to the National Data Protection Commission have not gone unnoticed. Your collaboration has been instrumental in furthering the goals of both commissions. “
Before ascending to the pinnacle of the NLRC, Gbajabiamila had left significant footprints in the gaming industry, including a remarkable stint at the National Sports Lottery His pioneering work on the Essnet Lottery Operating System, managing five million lottery transactions weekly, showcases his blend of technical expertise and visionary leadership.
His reappointment in 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari for a final term of four years was a nod to his impactful leadership and the profound strides made under his guidance.
The Africa Gaming Hall of Fame Award of Excellence presented by Kate Chambers at ICE 2024 is not just a personal accolade for Gbajabiamila but a spotlight on Nigeria’s rising prominence in the global gaming and lottery industry.
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