DELTA SET TO ESTABLISH LOTTERY COMPANY TO SHORE UP IGR, CREATE EMPLOYMENT

The Delta State Government has concluded plan to set up a Lottery Gaming Company.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for  setting up Delta Lotto has been signed by the state government and  the management of the company.

Speaking at the ceremony, the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa said the establishment of the company was to diversify to non oil sector as well as to ensure that the people of the state gets adequate benefits from the programme.

Okowa added that the revenue generated from the programme would be geared towards funding social development programmes that would benefit the people especially the poor.

“We congratulate ourselves for getting to this stage where we have just signed the MoU; we have been briefed about the whole system and it is heart-warming that there is a great prospect of creating a lot of jobs for our youths.

“It is also, expected that the state will generate revenue from the programme and the fund generated applied to social development that will benefit the people especially the poor,  which makes it a win-win situation for the people,” he said.

The governor who expressed confidence in the ability of Digital Gaming Systems Limited to run an accountable and transparent Delta State Lottery, assured the company that his administration would meet with its obligations.

“With the number of years the Digital Gaming Systems limited has as experience, we are confident that the best would be achieved for our people and we look forward to a huge success story in the nearest future,” he added.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the company, Ken Iwelumo said the MoU was for the “establishment of a Delta State Lottery Company (Delta Lotto) that will offer a broad array of lottery run games to the people of Delta State.

Iwelumo assured that the company  will be transparently operated, offering daily, weekly and mega games via multiple channels and product delivery system including but not limited to fixed terminals, hand held mobile terminal, mobile phone, computers, online and system developed future.

“The Delta State Lottery in addition to providing world class entertainment will create employment opportunities and avenues for legitimate wealth creation for small entrepreneurs and with this agreement, Delta Lotto will begin operations simultaneously in all twenty five local government areas of Delta State as lottery is recognised by governments worldwide as a means of raising funds to carry responsible projects in the fields of healthcare, education, social welfare and infrastructural development.” he stated