By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
As part of Benue State government’s deliberate measures to generate resources, it has officially unveiled the signage for the Benue State Sports Marketing and Lottery Board (BSMLB).
Performing the ceremony, the State Commissioner of Sports, Youths Development and Creativity, Terkimbi Ikyange, who unveiled the board alongside the Executive Secretary (ES), explained that the aim of the board was to generate revenue for the State.
The Commissioner noted with satisfaction that “today, we are here to formally unveil the presence, commitment, dedication and new life of sports marketing and lottery in Benue State.”
He said that the board was birthed in 2017 following a law passed by the State House of Assembly (BSHA), adding that in compliance with the legislation, an ES was appointed to handle its activities.
According to him, the board has made significant progress but with the coming of the State Governor , Rev. Fr. Hyacinth 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.
He revealed that the Gov. has appointed competent and experienced technocrats in the field to help manage the activities of the board and part of what they have done was to let the public know that they were fully on ground and committed and determined to ensure that the mandate given to them was accomplished
He added: “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 towards the development of the state.”
Speaking earlier, the ES, Mr Michael Uper, had explained that BSMLB was a government agency established to oversee and regulate sports marketing activities and lottery operations in the state.
He said that “this development suggests the state government’s efforts to promote sports development and potentially boost revenue through regulated lottery activities.
“In line with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration’s priorities, this move aligns with efforts to enhance sports development and economic growth.”
