Championing Workers Rights and Fostering Collaboration in Africa’s Gaming Industry: David Omaghomi
As Africa’s gaming industry continues to expand, the importance of advocacy and representation for those who work within it is becoming increasingly clear. At the forefront of this movement is the Gaming and Lottery Workers Union. During the 2024 AGE Lagos Summit, the Union’s National Treasurer David Omaghomi provided valuable insights into the union’s mission, its vital role in the industry, and its vision for a more inclusive future. Gaming Lotteries Workers Union
David opened up about the primary goal of the union, stating, “The Gaming and Lottery Workers Union is pivotal in advocating for the rights and benefits of workers in this multi-billion-dollar industry. Our existence may be relatively unknown in some quarters, but we are working hard to create awareness and to ensure that workers are recognized and valued.”
One of the union’s main objectives is to highlight the crucial role of workers in the gaming ecosystem, which encompasses employees, contractors, and agents alike. “The success of the gaming industry hinges on its workers,” David asserted. “When workers are not adequately taken care of, it creates a disconnect. Harmonious relationships become difficult to foster. That’s why we are pushing for a paradigm shift—not only for the industry’s recognition of gaming as a social good but also for a recognition of the labor behind it.” Gaming Lotteries Workers Union
David further emphasized the need for collaboration within the industry. “My experience at the summit, interacting with participants from over 27 countries, reinforces that effective collaboration is not a solitary endeavor. This industry belongs to everyone—the regulators, the operators, and indeed the workers. We cannot succeed in isolation.”
Read Also: Uniting Regulators and Operators: The Inaugural Gaming Tech Summit in Africa
The union aims to serve as a bridge between employees and employers. “We are here to collaborate, not antagonize,” David said. “Our mission is to foster understanding and cooperation between union members and company owners. For too long, past administrations created barriers that made it seem like the union was fighting against operators. We want to change that narrative.”
David expressed his optimism for the future highlighting the necessity of creating channels for dialogue. “It’s vital that we engage in open conversations between unions and operators to promote inclusivity. From my decade in the oil industry, I witnessed how effective union representation can result in benefits for both employers and employees. We can replicate that success in the gaming sector.”
As the conversation drew to a close, David reiterated the union’s commitment to making a difference. “It’s crucial that we shine a light on the realities of the gaming industry in Africa. We are ready to collaborate with all stakeholders and platforms like iGaming Africa to ensure our voices are heard. Together, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone involved in this thriving industry.”
The insights shared by David Omaghomi illuminate the essential role of the Gaming and Lottery Workers Union in advocating for workers while fostering collaboration and understanding across the gaming sector. As the industry continues to expand, the union’s work will be vital in ensuring that all voices are represented and valued in the ongoing growth narrative.
