Kaduna, Nigeria – Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), has issued a compelling call to state governments, urging them to permit lottery operations within their jurisdictions. This appeal was made during the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in partnership with the humanitarian organization, International Alert.
Adeyanju in Kaduna , the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, hosted by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with the humanitarian organisation, International Alert.
“In Nigeria, we often lament over everything while we don’t do much on the solution,” Adeyanju stated. “I’m aware that there’s a lot of misinformation about lottery. What we do is GOOD CAUSES, which we do through the lottery proceeds that come to the Federal Government.”
The Executive Secretary highlighted that lottery proceeds are channelled into essential services for Nigerians, addressing critical areas such as water interventions, environment, education, sport, agriculture, health, and humanitarian efforts.
Adeyanju in a photograph with Mallam Shekarau’s , Former Governor of Kano state
According Arowolo Solomon Alaba Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary Media & Corporate Communications Adeyanju further underscored the gaming industry’s potential in tackling climate change issues. “Earlier, we spoke on what climate change has caused due to scarce resources. The gaming industry, which contributes to the development of nations worldwide, and Nigeria is not an exception, can be leveraged upon to solve some of the issues surrounding the climate change-induced crisis ravaging northern Nigeria,” he explained.
He noted that many communities have already benefited from lottery proceeds, which are used to meet various local needs. “Many communities have written to us seeking assistance in many areas, which we have already assisted and still working towards assisting others using proceeds of lottery coming to the Federal Government,” he added.
Adeyanju urged states that have banned lottery operations to reconsider and engage with state branches of the NLTF to ensure smooth operations. He emphasized the Federal Government’s establishment of the NLTF for executing GOOD CAUSES, which include interventions necessary to tackle climate change-related issues in the states.
“We are urging states in Nigeria who have made efforts to stop lottery to please reconsider,” he appealed, noting that “by reconsidering their decisions, they will help to reduce criminality among the youth. We have begun advocacy on responsible gambling/lottery through the nationwide sensitisation that we started this year.”
Adeyanju’s call to action comes at a pivotal moment as Nigeria faces climate change-induced conflicts and socio-economic challenges. By adopting lottery operations, state governments can access a crucial funding source, ultimately aiding their most vulnerable citizens.
Dignitaries at the event included:
– Kaduna State Governor: Sen Uba Sani
– Kaduna State Deputy Governor: Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa
– Sultan of Sokoto: Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II
– President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN): Most Reverend Dr. D.C. Okoh
These notable figures were joined by other esteemed dignitaries.