Benue eyes N700m annual revenue from lottery

The Executive Secretary of the Benue Sports Marketing and Lottery Board (BSMLB), Michael Uper, has projected that Benue State could generate up to N700 million annually from lottery activities. Speaking to journalists in Makurdi during the unveiling of the state’s official lottery logo by the Commissioner for Sports, Youth and Creativity, Terkimbi Ikyange,  Uper emphasised […]

The Executive Secretary of the Benue Sports Marketing and Lottery Board (BSMLB), Michael Uper, has projected that Benue State could generate up to N700 million annually from lottery activities.

Speaking to journalists in Makurdi during the unveiling of the state’s official lottery logo by the Commissioner for Sports, Youth and Creativity, Terkimbi Ikyange,  Uper emphasised the untapped potential of the gaming sector in boosting the state’s internally generated revenue.

“Each gaming location is expected to remit a registration fee of N100,000, which is renewable. There is a pressing need for Benue to explore this sector,” he said.

Uper noted that prior to his appointment, the lottery sector in the state had not been properly organised, adding that with the full backing of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the board now poises to optimise revenue in line with practices in other states.

He also pointed out that following the dissolution of the National Lottery Board, federating states now have autonomy over the regulation and management of lottery operations.

“With the federal government no longer in control of this sector, states are stepping up to harness the opportunities available in lottery administration,” he added.

Earlier, the Sports Commissioner, Terkimbi Ikyange, noted that the formal unveiling of the board logo marked a new life for the sports marketing and lottery in Benue State.

He said that, “The board was brought to life since 2017 because a law was passed by the Benue State House Assembly and an executive secretary was appointed to handle it’s activities. Although, they made significant progress but with the coming of Governor Alia, he has seen the need to get people who are also very knowledgeable enough to help deepen the activities of the board thereby, generating revenue for the state.

“Part of what they have done is to let the public know that they are fully on ground and are committed and determined to ensure that the mandate which the governor has given them is accomplished.

“We as a ministry, and with the board under us, we will support their commitment to duty and also to announce to everybody that there is a force on ground to ensure that every activity that leads to sport marketing, betting, lottery and other associated activities are done in accordance with the laws of the state.

“It is on this note that we are here to formally unveil this signage so that the public will know that we are in serious business that the board has come to stay and it is going to work very hard to the development of the state.”