Local News

Betting is a growing problem among the young populations in Africa

Africa has a huge problem. Its young and growing population is an ideal target for global betting companies. In recent years these outfits have expanded their operations across the continent using aggressive marketing techniques.

The companies’ trump card is Africa’s passion for football. The European leagues are hugely popular, and gambling companies use this to attract punters. Many big European clubs are sponsored by betting companies, which gives the impression that football and betting are part of the same product.

In 2019, journalist Zoe Flood travelled to Uganda to make the acclaimed documentary ‘Gamblers Like Me: The Dark Side of Sports Betting’, which focused on the huge rise in gambling across Africa. Five years later, she attended Play the Game 2024 to show the documentary and give an update on the situation.

It is easy to bet, but very hard to make money from it

Collins Muhinda, the narrator of Flood’s documentary, used to be a compulsive gambler. Muhinda was accompanied by Flood’s film crew as he visited betting shops in his native Uganda, interviewing gamblers and their families.

These conversations brought home the ease with which people can fall into addiction and the devastation it can cause. Some have lost everything, Muhinda narrated, citing examples of gamblers using savings and tuition fees to feed their habit and even a case of suicide.

Uganda was chosen as the documentary’s location due to its large number of physical betting shops, which act as male social hubs with long opening hours. Elsewhere in the continent, betting via cell phone has never been easier.

Many people believe that they can make a living through gambling, Muhinda said in the film, a myth amplified by the marketing tactics of the betting companies.

Local celebrities are paid to promote gambling, while financial incentives are offered to entice new customers. Underage gamblers can easily place bets in physical shops, while many companies operate systems where agents are paid a commission to sign up new customers.

However, according to tax figures, pay-outs to African gamblers are lower than in other nations due to the poor value odds on offer. Although many gamblers believe the companies to be locally owned operators, they are often subsidiaries of big multinationals that shift profits out of the region.

In the film, the Ugandan government said it was working to improve regulation, and in January 2023 President Yoweri Museveni announced that no new licences or licence renewals would be issued to foreign-owned betting companies. In February 2024, two companies – 1XBet and Melbet – were forced to cease operations.

A problem primarily for men

When asked about the extent of problem gambling across Africa, Flood said that it was certainly greater than in Western countries.

“The figures are quite hard to come by, but a survey done on a group of 16-25-year-olds found that one in five could be termed a problem gambler,” she told Play the Game.

“This is very high compared to figures from the UK. It was difficult because it was a film about problem gambling so obviously, we were looking at those who were at the more extreme end. We didn’t really focus on those who didn’t have a problem.”

Flood said that she was conscious of the fact that the film featured very few women.

“However, this is to a large extent a male problem. The betting shops are almost entirely male-dominated. It was quite a difficult film to make in terms of access. As a woman, I was too disruptive to the environment at certain times.”

Virtual games provide quick dopamine hits

Flood also referred to so-called virtual games, which are becoming increasingly popular in Africa. Similar to traditional video games but played for a stake in betting shops, the games provide players with a “quick dopamine hit” through a digital match-up with a computer, typically a turbo-charged football match. They normally last only two or three minutes.

“I hadn’t really come across them before we made the film, and I was really surprised. Every betting shop we went into was running these virtual games, with football teams based on real teams. In reality, you are playing against a computer. I also saw virtual tennis and dog racing. It does seem like a particularly vulnerable area. It is almost like playing a slot machine. It’s a quick hit. “

While awareness of Africa’s gambling problem is growing, she said, resources appear lacking to tackle it on a large scale.

“As far as I am aware there is still no co-ordinated pan-African initiative to reduce gambling harm. All efforts seem to be at the local and grassroots level,” she said.

Local News

OldEnglish Bakery To Give First 1000 Attendees Bread and Butter at South West Games Opening Ceremony

OldEnglish Bakery, a leading name in Nigeria’s bakery and confectionery industry, has announced its generous support for the South West Games 2025 by offering the first 1000 attendees at the opening ceremony a delightful serving of bread and butter.

The grand event, set to hold in Lagos, promises an exhilarating blend of sports, culture, and entertainment, with several perks and frills lined up for attendees.

According to the COO, Adebowale Odesola, this giveaway is one of the many exciting benefits of being part of the landmark sports fiesta. “Beyond our complimentary bread and butter for the first 1000 guests, attendees can expect a host of other enjoyable experiences. The South West Games is not just about athletic prowess; it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and togetherness, and we are thrilled to contribute to that spirit.”

The South West Games is a prestigious multi-sport event that brings together athletes from across the six states of the South West region of Nigeria, fostering unity, talent development, and regional pride. The competition features a diverse array of sporting disciplines, from athletics and football to indigenous traditional games, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region while providing a platform for young talents to shine.

Over the years, the Games have grown into a significant event, drawing participants and spectators from different walks of life and serving as a breeding ground for the nation’s future sports stars.

OldEnglish Bakery’s gesture forms part of its broader commitment to supporting the South West Games 2025, reinforcing its dedication to fostering sportsmanship, wellness, and community development.

As a brand known for its rich tradition of baking excellence, OldEnglish Bakery sees this partnership as an opportunity to give back to the society that has embraced and supported it over the years. The company believes that sports and nutrition go hand in hand, and by supporting the Games, it aims to emphasize the importance of good nutrition in athletic performance and overall well-being.

The bakery has a long-standing tradition of engaging in corporate social responsibility initiatives, ranging from food donations to supporting community events that promote social cohesion. Through this initiative, OldEnglish Bakery aims to not only delight attendees with its signature products but also to inspire other businesses to take an active role in supporting sporting and cultural events that unite Nigerians across diverse backgrounds.

Founded with a passion for delivering premium-quality baked goods, OldEnglish Bakery has grown to become a household name, celebrated for its fresh, nutritious, and tasty bread, pastries, and other confectionery delights. With multiple outlets across Nigeria, the brand continues to uphold its mission of nourishing lives and strengthening community bonds through its products and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The South West Games 2025 is expected to attract thousands of sports enthusiasts, athletes, and dignitaries from across the region, making it a significant event in Nigeria’s sporting calendar. The games will feature a wide range of sporting activities, including athletics, football, basketball, and traditional games, offering a unique blend of competition and cultural expression. OldEnglish Bakery’s involvement underscores its unwavering commitment to promoting health, wellness, and community engagement through meaningful initiatives.

As anticipation builds for the opening ceremony, OldEnglish Bakery encourages attendees to arrive early to enjoy its warm, delicious offering and partake in the exciting activities planned for the day. The bakery remains committed to making a positive impact through its participation and looks forward to an unforgettable celebration of sportsmanship and unity at the South West Games 2025.

Local News

Imo State Governor Uzodinma receives NDSF Ambassadors, Mascot in Owerri

Bros, the Niger Delta Sports Festival Mascot was unveiled Friday afternoon at a colourful ceremony in Owerri, Imo State which had in attendance, the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma and the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) led by the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye.

Heralded by traditional dancers and serenaded by the Imo State choral group, Bros emerged digitally and live with a pose that had audience in a standing applause that froze the filled auditorium of the Landmark Event Centre in the posh New Owerri development area.

Before the digital presentation of the animated Mascot, Itiako Ikpokpo, the Lead Consultant at Dunamis Icon and Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, told the audience the story of Bros.

“The Mascot is derived from the Dolphin, which like the Niger Delta in Nigeria, has presence, prominence and respect in its environment.

“The name, Bros, is a short form for “Brother” which is commonly used in the Niger Delta, depicting the oneness, friendship and camaraderie that they share. Simply put, all Niger Deltans are brothers and they call themselves “Bros”, Ikpokpo narrated to nods of agreement by the guests that also included members of the Imo State Executive Council, Senators and some members of the House of Representatives.

The presence of Festival Ambassadors led by two former Afrian Footballers of the Year, Victor Ikpeba and Emmanuel Amunike added colour and excitement as guests eagerly sought to pose for pictures and videos with them.

Other Ambassadors who were unveiled alongside the duo were World women Wrestling champion, Blessing Oborodudu, former Africa sprints champion, Seun Ogunkoya, Tamunosiki Atorudibo, Olympic medalist, Patience Igbiti and former Falcons captain, Efionwan Ekpo.

The live Mascot strutted the stage as pyrotechnics were blasted to herald the official unveiling and in a friendly zest, invited Governor Uzodinma and the NDDC hierarchy for photoshots which they happily obliged.

“I appreciate your decision to host this important event in Imo State even as I look forward to continued collaboration for the benefit of our people”, Governor Uzodinma stated.

Earlier in his welcome address at the event which was also a celebration of the NDDC 25th years of operation, Ogbuku said, “the festival aims to promote regional integration and discover new sporting talents in the Niger Delta region”.

In concluding his introduction of Bros, Ikpokpo added, “Dolphins are also very sociable and cultural. They entertain, learn, teach their young ones, build social bonds and have a high sense of cooperation and mutual existence.

“Most importantly, Dolphins communicate in various ways, just like we have various languages and ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, but all united in diversity.”

“Niger Deltans are all “Bros”, he declared.

Photo caption

From left to right- NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, House of Reps Committee Chairperson on NDDC, Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Festival Ambassadors and Bros, the NDSF Mascot.

Local News

6th JOF Kids Cup Kicks Off In Lagos

The much awaited 6th edition of the annual Under-13 JOF Kids Soccer competition kicked off on Sunday, 16th February 2025 at the Union Bank Sports Club playground on Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, Lagos with 64 neighborhood football clubs and academies taking part in the tournament.

This is one of the Corporate Social Responsibility programs of the sponsor company, JOF Nigeria Limited, a wholly indigenous manufacturing and supply chain services organisation, which took special interest in the development of talents of the Nigerian youths. The U-13 JOF Kids Cup this year promises to be more glamorous, judging from the display of the kids during the kick-off match between Shaker Boys from Oshodi and Omonia Babes of Oto Awori.

Though Shakers Boys won the grudge tie by a lone goal, it was obvious that Omonia Babes put up a display on the pitch to send a message to opponents in the course of the first round of the competition that they are not pushovers.

Chairman Organising Committee of the tournament, Samuel Omolola disclosed that the first round will be keenly contested across three centres, Union Bank playground in Surulere, Ojo Oniyun playground in Ebute-Metta and Lekki playground in Eti-Osa, adding that matches are scheduled to be played on weekends to give the children opportunity of concentrating on their studies during the week. Omolola commended the sponsor, JOF Nigeria Limited, for the support since the first edition. He assured everyone that Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association will continue to organize a tournament of high football standards that will motivate the kid footballers.

Mr. Adeyinka Adetunji, the Director, Strategic Support Services, who represented the Chairman/CEO of JOF Nigeria Limited played the ceremonial kick-off. Adetunji advised the footballers to enjoy themselves on the pitch while displaying their God-given talents.

Other registered participating teams in the 6th edition of the tournament are, Small Tiger of Epe, Rufy Academy of Badagry, Puma Boys of Ojo, Latoyam Boys of Aguda, United Boys of Ogijo, Alaro Babes of Apapa, Yinka Babes of Badagry, Barca of Mainland, Adeomo Boys of Okoko, Junior Arsenal of Alimosho, Kola Babes of Ipaja, Miracle FC of Ijesha, Young Stars of Lagos Island, Warrior FC of Agege, Bariga United of Bariga, HB Utility of Ilupeju, Oron Academy of Oyingbo, Edet Academy of Aguda, Oloto Babes of Otto, ADC Academy of Ogba, Ajegunle Boys of Ajegunle, Idimu Bombers of Idimu, Tom boys of Orile, Oworo United of Oworo, Tobi Boys of Ojodu, Rock FC of Ojodu, Ultimate Villa of Ikorodu, Royal FC of Iwaya, Stricker Academy of Oko-Oba, Dollar Boys of Ifako, Landa Boys of Okoko, Demilade Boys of Ayobo, MRS Academy of Imota, Global FC of Mushin, Fagbems Boys of Ikeja, Alaba United of Alaba, Oluyole FC of Ayobo, Ikosi babes of Ketu, St. Michael of Alimosho, B. Unit of Surulere, Amazon Boys of Ikoyi, Abey Boys of Ajah, Afun Academy of Maryland, Kamin Boys of Oyingbo, Zamadek of Lagos Island, Chelsea Boys of Ketu, Ajiran Boys of Ajiran, Okota Academy of Okota, Ola’s Babes of Somolu, Greater Tomorrow of Lagos Island, Strong Dove of Orile, Adamu Academy of Idi-Araba, Glory FC of Ikotun, Mafe Ace of Ijegun, Botife Ace of Abule-Egba, Solution Boys of Apapa, Dopemu United of Dopemu, United Star of Mafoluku, Musiner FC of Mushin, Ultimate Stars of Apapa, Young Boys of Ojo, Abu Babes of Igando and Aket Babes of Iddo.