By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has reiterated its dual mandate of generating crucial revenue for the Government of Liberia and allocating a portion of its proceeds to support the welfare of people living with disabilities. This commitment was underscored by Mr. Richlue O. Burphy, the Deputy Director General for Lotto Games at the NLA, during the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Mr. Burphy emphasized the NLA’s pivotal role in not only raising lawful revenue through its operations but also actively contributing to national development through impactful social welfare programs. He further announced the Authority’s plans to generate approximately 500 job opportunities for Liberians, alongside its ongoing commitment to providing vital educational support to students with disabilities enrolled in various public and private universities, vocational institutions, and high schools across the nation.
Highlighting the regulatory responsibilities of the NLA, Mr. Burphy stated that the Authority serves as both a regulator and a supervisory body for the burgeoning gaming and gambling industry in Liberia. In this capacity, the NLA is dedicated to ensuring strict compliance with established regulations and promoting responsible gaming practices among operators and the public.
As part of its strategic modernization efforts aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency, the NLA has recently introduced a sophisticated Centralized Electronic Monitoring System (CEMS). This technological upgrade is projected to significantly boost government revenue by providing enhanced oversight of the gaming sector and ensuring accurate reporting of financial activities.
Joining Mr. Burphy at the press briefing was Mr. Christian K. Cooper, the Deputy Director General for Operations at the NLA. Mr. Cooper provided valuable insights into the Authority’s recent and impactful humanitarian outreach initiatives across Southeastern Liberia.
Mr. Cooper proudly announced the successful conclusion of a comprehensive donation campaign spearheaded by the NLA on behalf of the Government of Liberia. This initiative involved the distribution of assorted essential food and non-food items to over 50 deserving charitable institutions spanning the six counties in the Southeast region. The beneficiaries of this compassionate endeavor included orphanages providing care for vulnerable children, public health facilities offering critical medical services, homes dedicated to the well-being of the elderly, support networks for widows, and organizations dedicated to assisting people living with disabilities.
The outreach campaign, which commenced two weeks prior in Grand Gedeh County, directly aligns with Section 6.1.2 of the National Lottery Authority Act of 2014. This crucial provision mandates the utilization of a portion of lotto-generated revenue to support various charitable causes across the country, demonstrating the NLA’s commitment to social responsibility. Furthermore, this initiative actively supports President Joseph N. Boakai’s “ARREST Agenda,” particularly its focus on Inclusive Development by reaching out to and empowering vulnerable populations.
During the outreach activities, Mr. Cooper conveyed sincere gratitude to President Boakai, the esteemed NLA Board of Directors, and the dedicated Director General Reginald Kpan Nagbe for their unwavering support of the Authority’s diverse development initiatives. He also extended an encouraging message to the beneficiaries, urging them to remain positively engaged as the government continues its efforts to create expanded opportunities for both educational and vocational advancement for all Liberians.
In a related development aimed at fostering educational equity, the NLA has significantly expanded its impactful Education Empowerment Project (EEP) to reach students in Southeastern Liberia. This vital project provides crucial financial assistance to physically challenged students attending public universities and community colleges in the region. The support includes the payment of registration fees, alleviating a significant financial burden, and the provision of a monthly transportation allowance of US$25.00, ensuring these students can access their educational institutions.
The Education Empowerment Project was initially launched in 2023 and has already made a tangible difference in the lives of students with disabilities in Montserrado, Bomi, Bong, and Nimba counties. The recent expansion now extends this critical support to students enrolled at Grand Gedeh Community College in Zwedru, Sinoe Community College in Greenville, Grand Kru Technical College in Barclayville, and the prestigious Tubman University in Harper.
The overarching and commendable goal of the NLA’s Education Empowerment Program is to ensure that all physically challenged students enrolled in public institutions of higher learning across Liberia are empowered with the necessary resources to pursue and achieve quality higher education, thereby contributing to their personal growth and the future development of the nation.
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