Kelvin
Danlami’s death at IBBUL is a painful reminder of how gambling culture has
infiltrated the lives of Nigerian students, often with devastating
consequences.
His story
is not just about personal struggle but about the absence of systemic
safeguards that could have prevented such a tragedy.
If Nigeria is to protect its youth, it must move beyond mourning and toward decisive policy action.
The first
step lies in regulation. Betting companies have flourished in Nigeria,
capitalizing on the aspirations of young people who see gambling as a shortcut
to financial relief. Stronger oversight is needed to curb aggressive
advertising that glamorizes betting and targets students.
Policies
should enforce age restrictions, limit the visibility of gambling promotions
near schools and universities, and hold companies accountable for predatory
practices.
Equally
important is education. Universities must integrate awareness campaigns into
student life, teaching the risks of gambling alongside financial literacy.
Counseling
services should be expanded, offering safe spaces where students can seek help
without stigma.
Peer
support networks can also play a role, ensuring that those who fall into debt
or despair are not left isolated.
Government
intervention must extend beyond regulation to include rehabilitation.
Establishing accessible addiction treatment centers and helplines would provide
lifelines for those already caught in the cycle.
Collaboration
between ministries of education, health, and youth development could create a
coordinated response that addresses both prevention and recovery.
Kelvin’s
death should galvanize Nigeria into action. Gambling addiction is not a private
failing but a public health issue, one that erodes the dreams of a generation.
By
enacting robust policies, fostering awareness, and building support systems,
Nigeria can begin to dismantle the structures that allow gambling to thrive
unchecked.
The nation
owes its youth more than condolences; it owes them protection, opportunity, and
the chance to pursue their ambitions without the shadow of debt and despair.
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