Speakers

Bashir Abiola Are is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse and extensive career. Currently, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority and is a member of the Board of Trustees within the International Association of Gaming Regulators. With over 28 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, Bashir is known for his dynamic, innovative, and results-driven approach.

His professional journey includes significant roles as a Principal Consultant for leading organizations such as Getronics, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman Corporations, where he contributed to various projects for U.S. Government departments like the Treasury, Energy, Labor, and the U.S. Patent & Trademarks Office. He also worked as a Senior Systems Engineer and Network Operations Manager in Maryland, USA.

In Nigeria, Bashir's public service includes a tenure as Sole Administrator (Mayor) of Lagos Island East (LCDA), where he played a key role in strategic collaborations for local economic growth and employment. He also served as the Chief Operating Officer at Funds & Electronic Transfer Solutions (fets) Limited, where he managed significant revenue operations and led the development of innovative financial platforms.

Bashir's academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in information technology from the University of Maryland, an MBA from Salem University, West Virginia, and executive education in Strategy and Management of Government Revenue Agencies from Harvard University Business School. His entrepreneurial ventures and commitment to financial inclusion further highlight his diverse expertise and impactful contributions.