By Prisca Sam-Duru

It was jubilation galore amid encomiums as two markets in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, get functional water borehole facilities, courtesy of global sports betting and casino brand, 22Bet.

The two markets; Moniya Market and Gbagi International Market, a popular market in the heart of Ibadan, had their dream come true as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of 22Bet.ng whose portfolio includes Esports, 22Bet Casino, 22Games among others. 

The provision of borehole facilities which was done in partnership with the Oyo State Gaming Board was to ensure its betting services cater for all punters, as well as provide the needed succour for market men and women and, residents of the communities. 

Commissioning the borehole facilities which included brand new generators, one for each of the two facilities, the Director General, Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Hon. Olajide Boladuro, commended 22Bet for the facilities, saying that it is something that they’ve always wanted.”It is a very laudable achievement for Oyo State government and 22Bet working together to achieve this for the people of Akinyele and Moniya area, in particular, this market area. It is very impressive, it’s been long coming, something that they’ve always wanted.

“So, for a company like 22Bet to stand up to do this as part of their CSR, it is quite commendable. It is a very laudable gift, I am very happy and grateful for it,” he said. 

While charging the market men and women to take good care of the facilities, Hon Boladuro called on other companies domiciled in the state to emulate 22Bet to make lives better for the people. He solicited for contributions from other corporate bodies noting that “Whether in the gaming industry or in any other industry within Oyo State, we encourage them to do their own little bit. If every other company that is domiciled in our State can do a little bit of everything, the government will not be so overstretched. 

“So, I encourage all other companies to do stuffs like this in various communities to make lives better and easy for all our people in Oyo State.”

Speaking at the commissioning in Moniya Market, the Counsellor, Ward 5, Akinyele Local Government Area, of the State, Hon. Ojelabi Oluwaseun, thanked 22Bet for the laudable project, noting that it definitely alleviates the challenges of water in the market. 

He said, “First of all, I give glory to the Almighty God for the privilege given to me to be counsellor at this moment. I will use this opportunity and medium to say a very big thank you to 22Bet. What they have done today came as a big surprise to me, because four weeks ago my phone rang, I picked the call and they told me that they want to provide functional water borehole facility here in Moniya Market, Ibadan. It was like a play, but today it has been done. I say a big thank you to 22Bet for what they have done, because it is a great opportunity for us. I pray that the company will grow from level to level, strength to strength, even beyond their expectations or imaginations. 

Also speaking at the commissioning, the Chairman, Gbagi International Market, New Gbagi Market, Ibadan, Alhaji Ganiyu Adetayo, expressed his appreciation to 22Bet, adding that the water borehole facilities will go a long way in helping them. Other leaders of the two markets who expressed joy for the development included, the Woman Leader, Basira Olorunosebi, commended the global company for providing the facilities. 22Bet Country Manager/COO West Africa, Mr. Fikayo Ogunfuye, restated the company’s commitment to continue its corporate social responsibilities to the region of Oyo and all other parts of Nigeria.