News

Reps Advocate Central Monitoring System For Sports Betting In Nigeria

Published

4 months ago

May 9, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as NIPPS call for Executive Order on the dangers of sports betting

By Gloria Ikibah

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, Rep. Canice Nwachukwu, has said there is the need to establish a Central Monitoring System for the sports betting ecosystem in the country.

Rep. Canice stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during an investigative hearing on a motion referred to the Committee by the House on the “Need to Curtail the Dangerous Effects of Sport Betting and Direct the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to comply with the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act, 2005”, by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu at plenary.

He assured that the Committee was not going to call for the shutting down of the Sports Betting sector but would ensure it follows laid down rules and does not become inimical to society.

He said, “We are all Nigerians. We would not go against people doing their business. The have rights to exercise their franchise. But what we are saying is we have to play within the rules of the game.

“We have to arm the system to control and enforce all the provisions that would allow gaming and betting to flow smoothly without becoming a social menace.

“I am not going to be here to say we are going to shut gaming and betting and people operating in that sector. What we would do is to make sure there is a level playing ground whereby all the mechanisms that should be out in place to ensure it does not become inimical to the society.

“We have to play within the rules of engagement. That comes to the issue of a central monitoring system. It must be introduced. This is going to a reasonable extent help is solved some of the problems we are having now.

“By the time we have the system in place some of these stories would become history. It is not going to be completely eradicated but to a reasonable extent it will solve some of these issues.”

Deputy Director of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Sandra Agbor, in her submission urged that while awaiting the review and passage of the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission Act 2005, the President should enact an Executive Order on the dangers of sports betting in Nigeria.

Speaking on the contribution of Sports Betting to the economy, she said Nigerians plough about $2 billion a year into sports betting annually.

“The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has imposed a 7.5% value-added tax (VAT) on betting activities in the country. The contribution of sports betting to the national economy is huge and cannot be ignored.

“The number of betting companies operating in Nigeria has provided more employment opportunities, with thousands of Nigerians now working for both the local and foreign companies.

“Sports betting companies have aided the Nigerian economy by forming partnerships and signing sponsorship deals with several organizations, both in the sports and entertainment industries,” Agbor said.

She stated that the Nigerian sports betting market is rapidly developing, and this has a positive effect on the economy.

Agbor added that the industry can attract investors, create new jobs, and generate more revenue to the national purse, however, the negative effects should be factored into the design of a holistic response that will protect the underage, prevent fraud, and confront addiction in Nigeria.

Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, said lottery and gaming remains a veritable development instrument to make sports entertainment a revenue spinning venture.

Represented by the Director Licensing and Operation, Obi Yeregu, he said the Commission has put in a lot of measures to not only mitigate the adverse effects of sports betting.

He stated: “There are lots of benefits inherent in it. The sports betting has been a veritable tool of empowering Nigerians and giving gainful employment to our teeming youths.

“The number of Nigerian youths employed in this ecosystem is huge. Very huge. The Commission in recent past has brought experts to enlighten Nigerians on the benefits of sports betting and also to emphasize responsible gaming.

“The slogan of our commission is lottery the right way. This connote the fact that not only does it generate revenue it also sensitive to ensure that we don’t breed addicts”.

The Association of Nigerian Bookmakers Olafadeke Akeju, said sports betting industry makes significant contributions to the Nigerian economy through job creation, tax revenue generation, and investment in local communities.

She said by supporting responsible gaming and regulatory compliance, the Sports Betting industry is contributing to the sustainable growth of the gaming sector.

Ajeku assured that as responsible members of society, they are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks.

She said operators play a crucial role in curbing the side effects of gaming and promoting responsible gambling practices which cannot be undermined in any society.

According to her, the protection of gaming customers can be achieved through education, awareness campaigns, and responsible gaming tools, aimed at preventing problem gambling and mitigating the harmful effects to individuals and communities.

Head of Legal and Compliance and Stakeholders’ Engagement, KC Gaming Networks Ltd (Bet9ja), Adewale Akande, said sports betting industry has been a huge source of revenue to the government at all levels as well as huge employers of labour.

Akande said the industry is still at its infancy and has a lot of potential for more growth, but urged that the industry be nurtured for the betterment of all Nigerians.

According to her, making Sports Betting illegal could have significant negative impacts on both the government and customers.

“From a governmental perspective, banning sports betting eliminates a potential source of revenue through taxes and licensing fees, which could otherwise be allocated to various public services and projects.

“Additionally, prohibition may drive sports betting underground, leading to an increase in illegal gambling activities by unscrupulous operators and criminals, making regulation and control more challenging and costly for law enforcement.

“For customers, the prohibition of sports betting denies them the freedom to engage in a popular form of entertainment and removes consumer protections inherent in a regulated market, such as ensuring fair odds, transparent transactions, and mechanisms for dispute resolution.

“Moreover, it may push individuals towards unregulated and potentially risky alternatives, leaving them vulnerable to fraud and exploitation. Overall, banning sports betting could deprive both the government and customers of benefits while creating additional challenges,” he said.

News

Malaysia Celebrates 67th Independence Day, Emphasises Economic Growth, Strengthening Ties with Nigeria

Published

2 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

In a celebration to marked Malaysia’s 67th Independence Day and 61st Malaysia Day, the Malaysias High Commissioner to Nigeria, Aiyub bin Omar has expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and other dignitaries for joining in the joyous occasion.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the event underscored Malaysia’s impressive economic progress, its upcoming ASEAN chairmanship, and the strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

In his address, at a dinner organised by the embassy in Abuja on Thursday, Ambassador Omar who gave an account of his country’s remarkable journey post-independence, noted that Malaysia’s path to self-governance was long and challenging, involving years of political negotiations.

“Since gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia has successfully diversified its economy, transitioning from its initial reliance on agriculture and commodities to becoming a global player in the manufacturing and services sectors, particularly in the export of electrical appliances and components”, he said.

Citing a World Bank report, the envoy emphasized that Malaysia has maintained a strong trade-to-GDP ratio, exceeding 130 per cent since 2010 and emphasized the country’s sustained economic growth, with an average rate of 5.4 per cent over the past decade, and a current GDP per capita of USD13,310.

The High Commissioner noted thay Malaysia was on the verge of transitioning from an upper-middle-income to a high-income economy by the end of this year.

“Malaysia has been ranked the 19th wealthiest country in Asia alongside China and Singapore,” the envoy proudly stated.

He further noted that Malaysia is also ranked the 10th safest country globally according to the 2024 Global Peace Index, crediting the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for this accomplishment.

ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025

Looking ahead, Malaysia is preparing to assume the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, Ambassador Omar assured that the country was making extensive preparations to lead the regional organization and work towards achieving the ASEAN Community Vision by 2045.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Nigeria

Turning to bilateral relations with Nigeria, the envoy disclosed that the year 2025 will mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He further admitted that these ties are grounded in mutual interests in politics, economics, and social matters, with key areas of focus including trade, education, and bilateral development assistance.

Naijablitznews.com reports that in 2023, Nigeria was Malaysia’s 37th largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade amounting to USD956 million (RM4.36 billion). By July 2024, the figure had already reached USD747 million, making Nigeria Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner in Africa, after South Africa, Kenya, and Cote d’Ivoire.

Education and Development Cooperation

The envoy explained thay Malaysia continues to be a preferred destination for Nigerian students seeking higher education, as currently, about 3,386 Nigerian students are enrolled in Malaysian universities.

“In addition to education, Malaysia has been providing development assistance to Nigeria under the South-South Cooperation framework since 1981, with over 560 Nigerian government officials who have benefited from the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which offers courses in areas such as trade, cyber security, environmental management, and public administration”, he added.

The Malaysian envoy expressed optimism about the future of Malaysia-Nigeria relations, emphasizing the potential for growth and continued collaboration. “I believe with plenty of opportunities, our bilateral relations will flourish,” he said, before inviting guests to relax and enjoy the evening’s celebrations.

News

HoR Mediates Peace Among Rival Safety Professional Groups

Published

2 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards have gained success in reconciliation of the three opposing groups within the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON).

In a press briefing in Abuja, Chairman of the Committee on Safety, Standards, and Regulations, Rep. Suleiman Gumi, stressed that the reconciliation was crucial for improving safety conditions across Nigeria.

The Chairman also explained that the committee allowed all parties to present their views, resulting in resolutions aimed at uniting the factions, and that all groups were given equal opportunities to air their grievances, culminating in a final meeting where reconciliation was achieved.

“As a result of this meeting, a Caretaker Committee (CTC) has been set up. The committee is tasked with organizing a conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) to elect new executives for ISPON as one unified body. The national leaders of the institute have happily endorsed this decision, symbolizing a fresh start for ISPON. Present here with me are members of the CTC, including past presidents and notable figures who have contributed to ISPON in various ways”, Gumi said.

The chairman further disclosed that ISPON plans to hold a unification conference in Abuja from October 17th to 19th, 2024.

He added, “I am here to inform you about the upcoming unification conference and AGM. ISPON was established in 2014 by an Act of the National Assembly, but leadership disagreements following the 2016 elections led to a division into three factions, slowing down the institute’s activities. Despite intervention efforts from various bodies like the Inspector General of Police, the American Society of Safety Professionals, and others, the issues persisted.

“To address this, the National Assembly established a Committee on Safety Standards, which prioritized resolving ISPON’s divisions for the good of promoting safety in Nigeria.”

Rep. Gumi urged all employers of labour in Nigeria to note that from October 19th, new ISPON executives will be in charge, and only certifications issued by this new body will be valid.

“From that point onward, all Health and Environmental Safety (HES) practitioners must obtain ISPON’s new certification to practice, as required by the ISPON Act of 2014. A revalidation process will occur, and new certificates will be distributed. We call on all stakeholders to support this unity process,” Gumi stated.

The Committee also advised all safety professionals to obtain the new ISPON certification to continue practicing in the country.

According to him, the establishment of the Caretaker Committee was aimed at ensuring that a unified ISPON executive was in place after the conference.

Gumi therefore emphasized that all parties had embraced the reconciliation in a positive and celebratory spirit. He however, cautioned that anyone attempting to disrupt the process for personal interests would face consequences.

The unification conference is set for October 17th to 19th, 2024, in Abuja, and all relevant practitioners are required to participate in the new certification process.

He concluded by highlighting the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders and assured that ISPON would soon return to its rightful position as a leading safety body in Nigeria.

Former ISPON President, Shaw Fregene, who was instrumental in creating the bill that established the institute, attributed the crisis to personal interests.

He explained that disagreements over leadership arose in 2016, when certain members felt the leadership was no longer adhering to the rules of the institute.

“Once your two-year tenure is over, you should go for re-election. How can someone remain in office for six years without a mandate? That was the issue. Some individuals wanted to turn leadership into a personal property, which is wrong,” Fregene stated.

Similarly, former ISPON Secretary, Iyenoma Osazee, emphasized the benefits of being an ISPON member and noted that the crisis opened the door to unprofessional practices.

“In South Africa, foreign qualifications alone do not permit one to practice. You still need to go through their process. Here, however, the situation deteriorated, and unqualified individuals began to dominate the space. This misinterpretation of the law is what brought us here,” Osazee explained.

In closing, the Institute called on sponsors to support its upcoming conference.

News

Edo guber: LP’s Akpata remains a front runner, set to capture Edo

Published

5 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Less than twenty-four hours to the start of voting in Saturday’s governorship poll in Edo State, a rash of fake news has broken out.

Leading parties in the election have had their fair shares of fake news either indicating the withdrawal of their candidates or disqualification by a Magistrate Court or Supreme Court.

For instance, Olumide Akpata of LP was said to have withdrawn from the race and thrown his support for Asue Ighodalo in a statement that read smoothly and appeared convincing.

THE CONCLAVE sent the statement to Akpata via WhatsApp for confirmed.

He responded by sending the same statement with FAKE NEWS boldly stamped on it.
He said he was set for victory at the poll.

There was also a news flash about the Supreme Court disqualifying Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, with a sign off: More details coming….

A Magistrate Court in Abuja was also reported to have disqualified Monday Okpebholo of the APC from the poll on account of age falsification.

The APC campaign organisation had swiftly put a lie to the report by deploying the court papers in the circumstance.