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Oyo govt. moves to reposition gaming business, engages stakeholders
The Oyo state government through its Gaming Board, on Wednesday, engaged gaming operators and other stakeholders on better ways to improving gaming businesses in the state.
Remarking at the forum, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, declared that the state government prioritised the welfare of its citizens over revenue generation.
“The welfare of our people is what we need to be saying continuously,
and even though we recognize that what the games does is boosting the revenue of the state.
“But it is very clear that even as we pursue the revenue drive and not just in gaming but everywhere, we ensure that the interest of the people are always considered first.
“Putting the people first is one of the key agenda items so dear to Governor Seyi Makinde, so we are not going to create a situation whereby because we are looking for the revenue or seeking to increase revenue to help the people, we impoverished the people,” she said.
The state’s scribe further maintained that all what the present administration had been doing since it came on board; wether in education, health, security and agribusiness, were centered on people.
She lauded the state gaming board for organising the meeting, saying the board has brought up very pertinent issues that needed to be addressed.
According to her, the theme of the stakeholders interactive forum, ‘Redefining Responsible Gaming’ will guide the operators, the regulators “and even the gamers on the best practices.
“It will also find the balance between generating revenue for the state and maintaining mental welfare of the people of Oyo State.
“In addition, it will redefined the entire culture of gambling to accommodate only fun and entertainment.”
The Director-General of the board, Mr. Olajide Boladuro, said the forum with the theme – ‘Redefining Responsible Gaming’ was necessary as part of the activities to regulate the gaming industry.
According to Boladuro, gaming and lottery industry is gaining attraction in the country.
“Based on the prospects of the industry, the board has taken it upon itself to addressing the issue of responsible gambling in the state.”
“While we are excited to tap into the enormous revenue potentials that the industry present, our priority is to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.”
“Problem and responsible gambling is a constant focus of ongoing research and advancement world-wide,” Boladuro said.
The DG added that the importance of proactive responsible gaming programmes was paramount as a result of the recent market studies estimating that the global casino market alone would expand at a compounded annual growth rate of 10 per cent over the next five years.
He expressed optimism that discussions from the forum would chart a new and better path for the operators and other stakeholders in the gaming industry.
One of the operators, a House of Representatives member, Mr. Akin Alabi of Nairabet Sport Game, said the forum was the first of its kind in the state, describing it as the right way to go, “because the industry is relatively new and it is a very dynamics industry.”
“We have to stay on top of it, and we have to be abreast of the development, thus the forum has brought different people together to formulate policies that will move the industry forward.”
Alabi urged the Gaming board to come up with a very strong policy that the operators must adhere to.
He added that the operators too must start to regulate themselves through formulation of policies, rules and regulations.
Highpoints of the Interractive Stakeholders Forum which is the third edition was two panel sessions which saw experts and stakeholders in different fields that relates with gaming exchanging views as to how the sector could improve.
The two fold event also saw the Board hosting the stakeholders to a dinner where awards were presented to operators and stakeholders as reward for their exemplary role in upholding the sector.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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