….As E-Sports debut in Gateway Games
Joel Ajayi
As part of ongoing efforts to create and provide job opportunities for millions of talented Nigerian youths, the E-Sports Federation has emphasized that gaming is now a tool for empowerment—not a crime, as it was often perceived in the past.
The Chief Operating Officer of the E-Sports Federation made this known on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the official debut of eSports at Nigeria’s Olympics-style event, the National Sports Festival.
“This demonstration is more than just a showcase—it is a validation,” he said. “A validation that a controller can be a tool for excellence. That gaming is not a phase, but a profession. That the next generation of Nigerian exports will include not just footballers, but also gamers, developers, and digital entrepreneurs.”
She described eSports as a multi-dimensional discipline that demands data analysis, strategic thinking, communication skills, leadership, and performance under pressure. At its core, he noted, eSports represents digital literacy at full throttle—precisely the kind of skill set demanded by the 21st-century economy.
“Esports is taking the stage—and so is the voice of an entire generation that has long been ignored, misunderstood, and underestimated,” he said.
“We are here today to celebrate young people who have dedicated themselves to a rapidly evolving and growing industry called eSports and the video game industry.
“We are here to showcase a largely misunderstood group of young talents who have consistently empowered themselves through video games—staying away from crime and earning income by doing what they love.
“We are also here to affirm that gaming is not a crime. Gaming is a profession. Gaming is a strategy for economic empowerment, and eSports is indeed part of sports. That is what the National Sports Commission has acknowledged by including us in this festival.”
Speaking further, he emphasized the distinction between eSports and gambling:
“The video game industry is completely different from what people think of as gambling. While there may be a gambling side to gaming, eSports is about talent, strategy, and fair play—it is not a game of chance.
“Today, gaming is truly empowerment. Years ago, football was also misunderstood. But today, we recognize it as a global profession. Similarly, we are witnessing the rise of a new sport that is rapidly gaining ground.
“It’s important to understand that this is not the gambling industry—it is the video game industry.
“Today, we are holding a demonstration. But by Enugu 2026, eSports will be on the medal table—and that is our goal.”
