We’re ready to build sustainable gaming environment in Oyo- Makinde
By Adewale Owoade
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, says the state is ready to build a sustainable and responsible gaming environment.
Makinde stated this in Ibadan during the 5th annual stakeholders’ interactive forum, organised by Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, with the theme: Tax and Task, Building a Sustainable Gaming Environment.
Makinde, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, said a responsible gambling policy would be enforced in the state.
“What will enable us to build a sustainable and responsible gaming environment in Oyo State would be building stakeholders capacity to take advantage of the industry’s potential and manage the risks associated with gambling expansion.
“Improving rich engagement through innovation and technology, a responsible gambling policy that will be enforced to institutionalise support for patrons with gaming problems,” he said.
Speaking to newsmen, the Director-General of Oyo State Gaming Board, Mr Olajide Boladuro, warned that gambling was not for people below the age of 18.
He also stated clearly that as a game, the probability of winning was very low.
“When I came on board, one of the major things that we set to do was to make sure that children that are under age were not going to the gambling house.
“We went to a lot of schools, we did a lot of sensitisation within the communities, speaking to parents and guardians.
“We always say it emphatically that it is not something for the underaged children to do.
“It is not something you do and become a millionaire financially, it is just something that you do with loose change that you have, and I preach that aggressively to people.
“Don’t use your children’s school fees, don’t use money that you have earmarked to do capital project for your family to go and gamble.
“You don’t get addicted to it, you don’t look at it as something that will bring permanent fortune to your life.
“If it happens it happens, but the probability of that is very low, so we are seriously discouraging heavy gambling,” Boladuro said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
