The relevance of betshops in the contemporary Nigerian society.
“Charging of phone and other devices is at owners risk”
Bet culture is playing various role within the Nigerian economy. Apart from being fun to a few elite Nigerians, a majority also are finding it addictive and turbulent. It is a path meant to be threaded by those well to do. Those within 18 years of age and above. It is advised that you play the game wisely.
While bet culture had been rumoured to keep average Nigerian youths busy from crime. It is apparently engaging young Nigerians. Restraining some of them from thinking to act negative, for the sake of peer pressure and the nature of society they are in. It is also a means for job creation and has been supplying 24/7 power to Nigerian youths often in need of electricity to access their mobile smartphones and more.
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In meeting up with 42-year old Anan Bassey, a betshop owner affliated with a popular local sports betting brand. We discussed how he runs his multiple betshops weekly, monthly and per-annum. With the present fluating state of the Nigerian economy, inflation, petrol sizeable cost and low power supply across many areas in Nigeria. Betshop owners are going through these gory yet assisting the needs of average Nigerians.
The location we had this chat was in his shop from the oil rich and calm city of Port Harcourt. On Google map, the precise location is called Iwofe, in Rivers State, Port Harcourt. When Anan spoke, you feel seriousness mixed with sadness in a way he expressed. Using slight hand gestures with a coded and consistent body language. All of these were what he’s faced with literally. He explained and I paid all my attention. Talking about how betshops has been able to curb youth social vices in that particular area, reduced crime rate as well as gang practices like cultism and more.
For persons like Anan Bassesy, who has been in Port Harcourt for morethan a decade. A graduate from the prestigious University of Port Harcourt in 2008 where he studied Maths. He owns morethan a betshop branch across the Iwofe axis within Port Harcourt, which has been able to retain several staffs. Mostly young newly high school leaving certificate holders. “You know, running the shop has not been very easy though. The salary of my staffs is not that big but then I think this platform is promoting employment across Nigeria,” He tells me and I have no reason to oblige.
Even how he runs the shops has not been an easy task. He revealed, “Petrol price currently is so high and I spend a five thousand Naira daily across my double betshops,” Anan said bitterly. According to Jonah Wobo, a native of Nkpor in Iwofe, “Atleast I have something doing that has been assisting me get some necessary things like Data most times, some of the clothes I wear also. Though I live with my parents,” 20-year old Wobo who graduated from High school last year, said. I felt his contentment richly.
With the rate other young above 18+ Nigerian betters troop into the shop daily interests both the bestshop owner and cashiers. Some for the purpose of booking several games, others to gamble via virtual (An instant bet placed online) and more.
While some more individuals have come to charge mobile devices such as smart phones, laptops, torch and other devices. Most notably is how some growing religious centers, accompany their mobile microphone and other church gadgets alongside. These betshops had also allowed average Nigerian citizens situated in places with low power supply, boost percentage of smart mobile devices. How obvious and very interesting.
This Nigerian plight is like one in a loop. No one dares to stop it. But maybe by this time in February 25th, during Nigeria’s general election. Citizens would decide — #GetYouPVC, and vote out bad governance. This current Nigerian governance is like a stain in leadership that needs to be wiped out. Hopefully we make the right choices by this same time then.
Finally, Anan Bassey also pointed out squarely. Strictly talking about how those charging mobile devices should place their eyes on whatever it is they’ve come to charge. Those with the aim to boost percentage of their mobile devices, laptops and more. He said,
“Charging of phone and other devices is at owners risk.” Same way this was boldly written on a printed white paper, tightly glued on the walls of the bet shop.