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Lagos’ll Leverage Potentials Of Gaming, Entertainment, Tourism Sectors, Says Sanwo-Olu
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday said the State Government has re-calibrated the thrust of tourism through the development of a Tourism Master Plan and Tourism Policy for economic regeneration.
He said part of his administration’s commitment and renewed determination in line with the THEMES+ economic agenda is to leverage the potential of the gaming, entertainment and tourism sectors.
The Governor said the initiatives, aimed at increasing Lagos share of the African gaming market to at least 30 percent and solidifying the status of State as a key player in the gaming industry, is being propelled through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Wednesday at the ongoing Africa Gaming Expo Lagos 2024, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He said the central theme of the Expo: “Exploring the Future of the Africa Gaming Market: Emerging Trends, Prospects and Opportunities” is apt and speaks directly to the key objectives that the Expo is set to achieve, against the backdrop of the relatively nascent nature of the industry in Africa.

Deputy Governor of Narok County, Kenya, Hon. Tamalinye Koech; Chief Executive Officer, African Gaming Expo Limited, Dr. Charles Ekundayo; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chief Executive Officer, International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) Africa, Mr. Fayad Kamal Fayad and the CEO, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, during the Lagos Lotteries and Gaming Authority Africa Gaming Expo (AGE LAGOS 2024), at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, on Wednesday, 13 March 2024.
Speaking on the importance of the Africa Gaming Expo, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the overall objective of the historic gathering of stakeholders and operators, Game Developers, Investment Bankers, Venture Capitalists, Government Gaming Regulators, and other Gaming Stakeholders across the globe is to discuss and examine the Regulatory Frameworks, Emerging Trends, Challenges, Opportunities, and Prospects in the Africa Gaming Market and the gaming value chain.
The Governor believed that the Africa Gaming Expo would also provide a unique opportunity to review the present industry practices against global best standards and chart a new course for the future of the Gaming Market in Africa which is currently estimated at $7.8 billion.
He said: “For us in Lagos State, as an emerging smart city, the sub-theme of the Expo – “Entertainment, Gaming and Tourism: A Nexus for Economic Growth” would appear more germane as it speaks to the integral part of the State’s economic agenda and priorities.

CEO, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Director, Stakeholder Engagement, GREO, Lindsay Kalbfleisch; Founder, Game Evolution Partners and
Managing Director, E-planet, Adekunmi Shola Adenipebi; Chief Executive Officer, African Gaming Expo Limited, Dr. Charles Ekundayo and the Chief Executive Officer, International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) Africa, Mr. Fayad Kamal Fayad during the Lagos Lotteries and Gaming Authority Africa Gaming Expo (AGE LAGOS 2024), at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, on Wednesday, 13 March 2024.
“Lagos is indeed well-known for its commercial and political grandeur. It is regarded as the commercial and entertainment capital of Africa and has remained committed to the development of the nation’s tourism sector through entertainment and cultural export across various entities like movie, music, fashion and recently gaming, to mention but few.
“No doubt, we are indeed in the right place. Convening the African Gaming Expo in Lagos could not have come at a better time as it portends to strategically reinforce the State Government’s Development Agenda as encapsulated in T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, specifically the sixth pillar – Entertainment and Tourism.
“Today, Lagos State is one of the top 10 fastest growing cities in the World, ranks 6th in GDP in Africa and contributes over 25 percent of the GDP in Nigeria. However, Lagos State still needs more support in terms of investment in the Entertainment and Tourism sector.
“The State has one of the best protocols for ease of doing business. This Expo would provide our partners insight into the investment opportunities waiting to be explored in our Entertainment, Gaming and Tourism industry in the State.”

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; CEO, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are; Managing Director, GSA Europe & President, International Gaming Standards Association, Mr. Mark Pace; Chief Strategic Adviser, National Gaming Board, South Africa, Ms. Caroline Kongwa and Chief Executive Officer, African Gaming Expo Limited, Dr. Charles Ekundayo, during the Lagos Lotteries and Gaming Authority Africa Gaming Expo (AGE LAGOS 2024), at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, on Wednesday, 13 March 2024.
Governor Sanwo-Olu called for collaboration among the stakeholders for new ideas and strategies that will lead to the full realisation of the socio-economic potentials of the gaming, entertainment and tourism industry in Africa.
Speaking earlier the Chief Executive Officer, of Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Mr. Bashir Are, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its unwavering commitment to revolutionise the gaming industry through effective regulation, by leveraging modern technological innovation and global best practices.
He said the Africa Gaming Expo was to exchange ideas and share valuable insights that would change the face of gaming while harmonising the standard and regulations in Africa.
In his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer, of Africa Gaming Expo Limited, Dr. Charles Ekundayo, said “the aim of organising the Expo is rooted in promoting the Africa Gaming Market while fostering collaboration among industry professionals and addressing the challenges faced in the industry.”
The 2024 Africa Gaming Expo attracts over 35 speakers in the industry and hundreds of delegates from different countries in Africa and outside of the continent.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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