Dear Supporters, Allies, and Change Champions,
Our crusade to transform SportyBet and Nigeria’s betting landscape is surging forward, turning my personal struggle into a national call to action. I’m Vincent Ityohemen Ukoh—a non-practicing lawyer, mathematician, ICT expert, and betting addiction survivor—whose 48-hour binges on SportyBet led to losses and suicidal thoughts. Where was their duty of care? With your backing, our petition (17+ signatures, 94 views, 102 shares and growing: [https://chng.it/Vp29pxbNmg is demanding accountability. Here’s our latest progress as of today, September 26, 2025!
Milestones: A Movement Gaining Strength
Regulatory Momentum: FCCPC has lodged our complaint (Case BE00038), spotlighting SportyBet’s negligence. We’ve engaged LSLGA, praising SafePlay while pushing for more, and await SGF’s reply despite follow-ups.
Health Leadership: Our letter to Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate aligns our fight with his NCD reduction vision, positioning Nigeria to lead globally—UN escalation is on hold for local wins.
Legal Support: A letter to NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, leverages my legal background to seek justice, potentially turning 17 signatures into a legal force.
Global Outreach: We’ve crafted a UN appeal (paused for now), inspired by the UK’s proactive monitoring and Sweden’s €527,395 Betsson repayment ruling (2025).
Influencer Buzz: DMs to VeryDarkMan (@verydarkblackman), Aisha Yesufu (@aishayusuf), DJ Switch (@djswitch), Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani), Charly Boy (@Areafada1), Natasha Akpoti (@natashaakpoti), and Afam Osigwe (@afamosigwe) are gaining traction—stay tuned for their voices!
Visual Impact: We’ve created a new warning label (attached), mirroring cigarette packs with “Betting Causes Suicide,” a hanging rope, and a Sniper bottle, to shock and deter like WHO’s tobacco success.
Our Demands: Safeguards That Save Lives
We’re pressing SportyBet and operators to adopt:
Daily Limits: Cap not just betting spend but also hours and to end 24-hour spirals.
Proactive Lockouts: AI to detect overusage and enforce breaks, stopping addiction early.
Graphic Warnings: Labels like our new design to highlight real harms, echoing Bet9ja’s “betting isn’t a job” stance.
In Nigeria, 65% of youth gamble, fueling mental health crises (attached stats); globally, 80 million suffer.
Your Action: Let’s Hit 50 Signatures!
We’re on fire—FCCPC’s action, LSLGA’s nod, and the Minister’s potential support prove we’re heard. Take these steps:
Sign & Share: Add your name at [https://chng.it/Vp29pxbNmg Post on X/Instagram, tagging @SportyBet, @fmohnigeria, @fccpcnigeria, @LSLGA_NG, and influencers. Use #BettingReform #NaijaHealth #StopGamblingHarm.
Spread the Word: Share in WhatsApp groups, markets, or schools—every signature counts.
Show Solidarity: Update your profile with our new warning label (attached).
This petition is a lifeline—your support keeps my fire burning. Who will you inspire today?
In solidarity,
Vincent Ityohemen Ukoh
Betting Addiction Survivor | Advocate for Safer Naija
[07037410509 | artwayltd@gmail.com]
P.S.: Nigeria can lead like UK/Sweden—sign now to make history! [https://chng.it/Vp29pxbNmg