Abbas Lauds Lottery Sector Revenue Boost, Says N200bn Generated in 2023
By Juliet Vincent
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Thursday hailed the nation’s lottery sector for their contribution to revenue generation and economic growth as it generated N200 billion in 2023.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, Udora Orizu, he made the commendation while delivering his remarks at the book launch of the Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Lanre Gbajabiamila, titled, “Mr Lottery: The Story of Lanre Gbajabiamila at 60.”
The Speaker who was represented by his Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, congratulated Gbajabiamila on his book launch, describing him as a man whose name has become synonymous with transformation in the lottery and gaming industry, and whose influence stretches beyond borders, impacting the very fabric of nation-building.
He said Nigeria’s lottery sector under Gbajabiamila’s leadership, contributed over ₦200 billion, driving growth in education, healthcare, and infrastructure while fostering innovation and job creation.
Speaker Abbas assured him of the parliament’s continuous collaboration to further develop the lottery industry for the nation’s prosperity.
He said, “It is with profound honour and a deep sense of purpose that I stand before you today, representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen GCON, to celebrate not just a book, but a journey—a journey of vision, determination, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. Today, we gather to mark the life of a man whose name has become synonymous with transformation in the lottery and gaming industry, and whose influence stretches beyond borders, impacting the very fabric of nation-building.
“That man is Lanre Gbajabiamila, Mr. Lottery himself. Life, as we all know, is a game. A gamble. A lottery. It is a series of chances and choices, each moment a roll of the dice, each decision a step in a long and winding journey. And just as in any game, it is not the outcome that defines us, but how we play the game, how we rise after every fall, how we learn, adapt, and above all, how we shape the game to serve a higher purpose. The story of Lanre Gbajabiamila is one such story—a story of playing the game of life not for personal gain alone, but to build, to contribute, and to uplift.
“The concept of the lottery is not foreign to us in Nigeria. It is rooted deeply in our communal way of life, where we come together, pooling resources, sharing hopes, taking risks, and building something greater than the sum of our parts.
“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, and all members, we congratulate you, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, on your outstanding leadership in the lottery sector. Your vision and integrity have greatly impacted Nigeria’s growth, and the House commends your dedication. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with you, as we work together to further develop the lottery industry for the nation’s prosperity. Congratulations once again, and may your legacy continue to inspire future generations,” he said.
