BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU
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Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has charged operators/investors in he Gaming and Lottery Industry to imbibe the spirit of innovation and creativity with a view to providing excellent services to consumers.
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Speaking at the opening ceremony of this year’s Enugu State Gaming Conference held at Amaedo Event Centre, Enugu on Thursday, Mbah who was represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, advised that the gaming lottery operations should be done with highest standard of integrity, transparency and responsibility.
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The governor also assured the investors that the state government would continue to provide an enabling environment for the businesses to thrive, adding that it is the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens.
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He noted that the conference holding in Enugu with the theme titled: “Exploring The Future of Gaming: Innovation and Collaborations” was apt and timing, urging the participants to come up with exciting discussions that would shape the future of the gaming industry in the country.
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While canvassing for home-grown innovations to regulate Gaming Industry as well as boost the economy, the governor stated, “We must separate gaming driven by addiction where you now have to wreck yourself financially by selling your properties, selling your jewellery or that of the members of your family because you want to play a game, and gaming driven by leisure.
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According to him, “These are two different things and that is where the regulators have a duty to checkmate this.
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“Technology has a role to play, and I am happy the theme is discussing innovation; and innovation has to do with technology and advancement. If you look across the globe, there are many opinions, software options and technology options that could help drive that. It is not rocket science.”
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In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, noted, “This conference stands as a testament to our collective commitment to the future of the gambling industry in Enugu State in particular and Nigeria in general.
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Arum maintained, “Enugu State holds a unique position within Nigeria – a vibrant cultural and e economic centre with a rich history and dynamic population.
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“We are not only to discuss current challenges and opportunities but to chart a course towards sustainable growth and development that benefits all stakeholders, operators, consumers, and the industry al large.
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“With the theme: “Exploring The Future of Gaming: Innovation and Collaborations “, this event has been carefully designed to help in the overall growth of the industry especially in Enugu State.
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“The theme of this conference encapsulates our vision for a forward-thinking approach to industry growth through innovation spurred by strategic partnership.
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“It is with this context that we see tremendous potentials for the gaming sector to contribute significantly to our state’s economy prosperity. However, with this potential comes a responsibility – a responsibility to ensure that growth is managed prudently, transparently, and with the utmost consideration for social impact and consumer protection.
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While commending the state government for its support and unwavering commitment to building a unique and safe gaming destination in the country. Arum expressed gratitude to all their sponsors, partners and organisers who had made the conference come into reality.
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In his keynote address, Basher Are in his topic tilted: “Gaming Tourism Development: Prospects For Nigeria Market” took time to x-ray the challenges facing the gaming industry in the country, concluding that there is bright future for the sector in the land.
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The former Senior System Engineer and Network Operations Manager, Lockheed Martin Corporation and Large-Scale Proteomics Corporation respectively in Germantown, Maryland, USA, commended the Enugu State Government and the organisers of the conference, stressing that Governor Mbah is doing a marvellous work in the state.
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Speakers at the event included: Immaculata Amaka Mbaso who presented a paper titled: “Leveraging Responsible Gaming For Sustainable Growth: Balancing Profit Maximization With Social Responsibility”
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Mr Ugochukwu Aronu spoke on the topic: “Gaming, Virtual Reality and Esports: Impacts and Prospects in the Gaming Industry “.
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The high point of the event was the setting up of a panel of personalities where participants had an opportunity to interact and ask questions.
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