Inside GamblePause: Ladipo Abiose’s drive for responsible gambling

The social stigma surrounding gambling in Nigeria remains deeply entrenched, often silencing those who need help the most. For GamblePause Initiative Africa founder, Ladipo Abiose Akolade, the mission to promote responsible gambling is rooted in personal experience. 

“Yes, the stigma around gambling in Nigeria is very real. I know that not just from observation, but from lived experience,” Ladipo explains. “When I went through my own phase of gambling, I quickly realised how silent the struggle can be. I couldn’t talk to family or friends because the moment I did, I was judged. People saw me as reckless or weak, not as someone who needed help.” 

His personal journey revealed how shame and isolation can drive addiction further. “That period taught me a lot about shame, silence, and how easily one can fall deep into addiction simply because there’s nowhere to turn. It was painful, but it also gave me purpose,” he says. 

From that pain came purpose—the foundation of GamblePause Initiative Africa. “I wanted to build something that offers what I didn’t have at the time: understanding, compassion, and a genuine path to recovery. It’s not about condemning gambling; it’s about helping people make healthier choices, regain control, and find balance again.” 

Confronting underage gambling

GamblePause has discovered that a lot of gambling addiction cases begin early. The organisation’s data shows that 70% of the people they currently treat began gambling at a very young age. 

“Yes, about 70% of those we treat started gambling very young,” Ladipo notes. “When gambling begins early, it shapes behaviour and decision-making before maturity sets in, making addiction harder to break later in life.” 

Recognising this, GamblePause prioritises early intervention. “At Gamble Pause Initiative Africa, we’ve learned that early awareness is key. Our school outreach programmes and peer education initiatives help young people understand the risks before gambling becomes a coping mechanism. Prevention is always easier and more powerful than recovery.” These initiatives are designed not only to educate but also to empower young people before harmful habits take root.

Saying no to underage gambling at home and in schools 

The organisation’s “Say No to Underage Gambling” campaign combines school visits, community workshops, and digital outreach. However, it has faced unique challenges, particularly from within homes. 

“Our biggest challenge with the ‘Say No to Underage Gambling’ campaign has been parental denial and lack of awareness,” Ladipo says. “Many parents are uncomfortable with us initiating these conversations because they don’t want their children exposed to gambling-related terms or even the word gambling.” 

The reality, however, is that many young people are already engaging with gambling content. “Unfortunately, many of these young people are already participating in such activities or discussing them with their peers at school,” he adds. “This denial creates a major barrier, making it difficult to foster honest and open conversations at home.” 

Yet, the initiative has delivered valuable insights. “The most powerful insight we’ve gained is how curious and open-minded young people are once you engage them properly,” he continues. “When we speak their language and use relatable examples, they’re quick to ask questions and even educate their peers. It’s taught us that prevention must be a family and community effort, not just a school initiative.” 

Nigeria’s first free gambling rehabilitation centre

In a groundbreaking achievement, GamblePause opened Nigeria’s first free gambling rehabilitation centre in Alagomeji, Yaba. The centre represents a major milestone in accessible mental health and addiction support. 

“Opening Nigeria’s first free gambling rehabilitation centre in Yaba was a major milestone for us,” says Ladipo. “The challenge has always been maintaining quality care while keeping the service free and accessible.” 

The organisation’s model relies on strategic partnerships. “We’ve achieved this by partnering with mental health professionals, universities, and NGOs who volunteer their expertise and resources, significantly reducing operational costs without compromising standards,” he explains. 

Sustainability remains a key focus. “For sustainability, we focus on building community partnerships with organisations that share our vision of responsible gambling. Our goal is to create a model where compassion and professionalism coexist, ensuring that help remains free, yet never basic.” 

Strengthening leadership through strategic collaborations 

A new chapter began when GamblePause welcomed media personality Kikelomo Atanda-Owo as co-founder and trustee. This partnership signals a stronger push for visibility and social impact. 

“Bringing Kikelomo Atanda-Owo on board as co-founder and trustee marks a new and exciting chapter for GamblePause Initiative Africa,” says Ladipo. “Her influence, media reach, and passion for social change give our message a much stronger voice, especially in reaching young people and families.” 

Such collaborations, he explains, shift responsible gambling from a niche concern to a public movement. “Strategic collaborations like this help shift responsible gambling from a niche advocacy topic to a mainstream social conversation. Our key goals in this new phase are to expand awareness campaigns across more African countries, strengthen rehabilitation support, and push for stronger policies that protect vulnerable populations. With the right voices and partnerships, we can make responsible gambling a shared continental priority.” 

Adapting to the digital shift in gambling 

The surge in online and mobile betting presents new challenges. Young people, in particular, are more exposed than ever. GamblePause has adapted its approach to meet this evolving reality. 

“The rise of online and mobile betting has completely changed how people, especially young people, engage with gambling,” Ladipo observes. “At Gamble Pause Initiative Africa, we’ve had to evolve quickly to meet them where they are.” 

The organisation is investing heavily in digital outreach. “We’re investing heavily in digital awareness campaigns, using social media, short videos, and interactive content to start honest conversations about responsible gambling,” he explains. 

They are also partnering with online communities to ensure relevance. “We also collaborate with influencers and online gaming communities to make our message relatable rather than preachy. On the intervention side, we’re developing digital counselling channels and helplines so that people can seek help privately and conveniently.” 

The goal remains clear. “The goal is simple to ensure that as technology drives gambling forward, our prevention and recovery strategies move just as fast.” 

A continental vision for responsible gambling 

As GamblePause continues to expand its reach, the organisation’s ambitions stretch beyond Nigeria. The goal is to make responsible gambling an African-wide priority through partnerships and policy advocacy. 

“Looking beyond Nigeria, our vision is to make GamblePause Initiative Africa the leading voice for responsible gambling across the continent,” says Ladipo. “We aim to replicate our awareness and recovery model in other African countries through strategic partnerships with governments, regulators, mental health organisations, and the gaming industry.” 

The initiative calls for systemic reform. “We advocate for stronger player protection policies, age verification systems, and responsible gambling education, ensuring that gambling remains safe, fair, and socially responsible,” he adds. 

Ultimately, Ladipo envisions a sustainable future where growth and responsibility align. “Our goal is a healthier gambling ecosystem where growth and responsibility go hand in hand.” 

From confronting stigma to building Africa’s first free rehabilitation centre, GamblePause Initiative Africa continues to redefine the approach to responsible gambling. Through community engagement, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships, Ladipo Abiose Akolade’s vision extends far beyond Nigeria – toward a continent where gambling is conducted responsibly, compassionately, and sustainably.

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