By Grace Bryant Mollay
The Deputy Director General for Lotto Games at the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Richeleu Burphy, has reaffirmed the NLA’s primary mission of generating government revenue while allocating a portion of its earnings to support individuals living with disabilities.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Burphy highlighted the dual role the Authority plays in generating lawful revenue and contributing to national development through social welfare initiatives.
He announced that the NLA plans to create around 500 job opportunities for Liberians and will continue providing educational support to students living with disabilities in public and private universities, vocational training centers, and high schools.
Burphy also noted that the NLA serves as both a regulatory and supervisory body for the gaming and gambling sector, tasked with ensuring industrial compliance and promoting responsible gaming practices.
In line with its modernization agenda, the Authority has introduced a Centralized Electronic Monitoring System (CEMS) to enhance revenue collection and strengthen oversight within the sector.
Joining the briefing was Christian Cooper, Deputy Director General for Operations, who outlined the NLA’s recent humanitarian efforts in Southeastern Liberia.
Cooper revealed that the Authority, acting on behalf of the Government of Liberia, recently completed a donation drive benefiting over 50 charitable institutions across six counties.
The donations included food and non-food items distributed to orphanages, public health centers, homes for the elderly, widows, and persons living with disabilities.
This outreach, which began in Grand Gedeh County two weeks ago, is in line with Section 6.1.2 of the NLA Act of 2014, which mandates the use of lottery proceeds to support charitable initiatives.
It also aligns with President Joseph Boakai’s “ARREST Agenda” for Inclusive Development.
Cooper expressed appreciation to President Boakai, the NLA Board of Directors, and Director General Reginald Kpan Nagbe for their ongoing support.
He encouraged beneficiaries to remain actively engaged as the government continues to expand educational and vocational opportunities.
In a related development, the NLA has extended its Education Empowerment Project (EEP) to Southeastern Liberia.
The project, launched in 2023, supports physically challenged students by covering registration fees and offering a monthly transportation stipend of US$25.00.
Initially rolled out in Montserrado, Bomi, Bong, and Nimba counties, the EEP now includes Grand Gedeh Community College in Zwedru, Sinoe Community College in Greenville, Grand Kru Technical College in Barclayville, and Tubman University in Harper.
The program aims to ensure that students with physical disabilities who are enrolled in public institutions across Liberia have equal access to quality higher education.
