Lagos State Government Pledges to Harness Entertainment and Gaming for Social and Economic Advancement
The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has affirmed its commitment to leveraging the dynamic sectors of tourism, entertainment, and gaming as catalysts for both economic growth and social development.
Speaking at the inaugural edition of the 2024 Africa Gaming Expo (AGE), held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the pivotal role of these industries in shaping the future of the state and the continent at large.
Themed “Exploring the Future of the Africa Gaming Market: Emerging Trends, Prospects, and Opportunities,” the expo, organized by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, aimed to foster dialogue among stakeholders and operators, including game developers, investment bankers, venture capitalists, and government gaming regulators, to chart a course for the burgeoning gaming market in Africa.
Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored the significance of the event within the context of Lagos State’s broader economic agenda, particularly its focus on entertainment, gaming, and tourism as drivers of growth. He highlighted the state’s commitment to positioning itself as a hub for cultural export and economic regeneration, drawing parallels with other global cities renowned for their vibrant entertainment and tourism sectors.
Sanwo-Olu outlined the state’s initiatives to enhance its share of the African gaming market, including the development of a Tourism Master Plan and Tourism Policy aimed at maximizing the sector’s revenue potential and fostering economic diversification.
The governor emphasized the need for increased investment in the entertainment and tourism sector, noting Lagos State’s status as one of Africa’s leading economic hubs. He affirmed the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses in these sectors, citing its robust protocols for ease of doing business.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, echoed Governor Sanwo-Olu’s sentiments, stressing the importance of promoting best practices and encouraging local talent within the gaming industry.
As the expo unfolds, it promises to provide invaluable insights into investment opportunities within Lagos State’s vibrant entertainment, gaming, and tourism landscape, positioning the state as a key player in Africa’s rapidly evolving gaming market.
