Nigerian Man Who Won €500,000 in Italian Lottery Secures Residency Permit
Nigerian man unable to claim Italian – Imagbe Ehizomwengie, a 36-year-old Nigerian national, has found a breakthrough after a prolonged struggle with immigration status. His €500,000 lottery win in Italy, initially a source of joy, became a complex challenge when he couldn’t claim the prize due to his undocumented status. Now, following a legal victory, he has been granted a residency permit, marking a significant step toward stability and integration in the country.
“I’ve been praying for this moment ever since I arrived in Italy,” Ehizomwengie shared with the Guardian. “It’s a huge relief. You might think it’s incredible, but receiving the permit means more to me than winning the money. I want to work and contribute to society.”
Ehizomwengie’s journey began in 2016, when he embarked on a perilous voyage across the Mediterranean from Libya. There, he had been held captive for two years, surviving on hope and the promise of freedom. After his release, he arrived in Italy, where he settled in Turin. For years, he worked as a street seller, relying on small earnings from selling handkerchiefs and collecting change outside a supermarket. His life took an unexpected turn in October 2023 when he purchased a €5 Gratta e Vinci scratchcard, Italy’s widely popular instant lottery game, with the meager funds he had saved.
When Ehizomwengie scratched the card and discovered he had won €500,000, his heart soared. However, the joy was short-lived. Without proper documentation, he could not access bank accounts or legal processes to claim his prize. This meant the €500,000, though life-changing, remained unattainable. “When I lived in Nigeria, I was always praying for opportunities, but they never came,” he said. “But you also need to take risks in life, and I kept believing that one day I might even become a millionaire.”
“I stopped buying the scratchcards for years, but on the day I won… I truly believe God was watching over me.”
Despite the setback, Ehizomwengie’s determination didn’t waver. He turned to a trusted Nigerian friend, entrusting him with the initial funds to manage the lottery process. The friend, however, took advantage of the situation, keeping part of the money for himself. Eventually, the friend agreed to transfer half of the post-tax winnings to Ehizomwengie’s cousin’s account, allowing him to start a modest business. Using the funds, he opened Mama Africa, a store in Falconara, a seaside town in the Marche region, that sells African food products. This venture not only provided him with a livelihood but also demonstrated his ability to contribute economically to his new community.
As the legal process unfolded, Ehizomwengie’s lawyer, Andrea Palazzeschi, played a crucial role in his case. The lawyer emphasized that the residency permit was not a direct result of the lottery win, but rather a recognition of the man’s qualities. “But it’s important to stress that Imagbe didn’t get the residence permit because he won the money,” Palazzeschi noted. “He got it because he proved to be a good candidate.” The court in Ancona, which recently ruled in Ehizomwengie’s favor, cited his fluency in Italian, his work at Mama Africa, and the newfound financial independence as key factors in its decision.
Gratta e Vinci scratchcards are a staple of Italy’s lottery culture, with millions of players participating each year. The €5 tickets are particularly common, often sold in small shops and convenience stores. In 2019, an unemployed fisherman in Puglia made headlines when he found a winning €100,000 scratchcard in a rubbish bin, cashing it in without any prior documentation. Similarly, in 2022, a young man in northern Italy won €500,000 and collapsed from shock upon discovering his fortune. These stories highlight how lottery wins can disrupt lives, especially for those without legal status.
Ehizomwengie’s situation underscores the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in Italy. Before Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government tightened residency rules in 2023, asylum seekers who did not qualify as refugees but were at risk of being sent back home could apply for a “special protection” permit. This permit allowed them to live and work temporarily in the country. Now, with the restrictions in place, securing such a permit requires proving one’s financial stability, language skills, and commitment to the community.
For Ehizomwengie, the residency permit represents more than just legal status—it’s a symbol of perseverance. “I want to work and intend to keep my feet firmly on the ground,” he said. “I just want to live a normal life.” His aspirations are now within reach, thanks to the legal victory achieved through his lawyer’s efforts. The permit not only allows him to manage his lottery earnings but also provides a pathway to long-term residency, which he hopes to secure in the near future.
Ehizomwengie’s story has sparked conversations in Falconara, where he has become a local figure. The community has taken notice of his achievements, with many expressing admiration for his resilience. He plans to throw a party to celebrate his permit, but he made it clear that the event will be more about gratitude than revelry. “I’m not here to just party,” he said. “This is a new beginning, and I’m determined to make the most of it.”
The case also raises questions about the intersection of luck and legal status. While Ehizomwengie’s lottery win was a stroke of fortune, it took years of hardship to turn that luck into a permanent opportunity. His journey from a beggar in Turin to a small business owner in Falconara is a testament to the power of perseverance. For many immigrants, the path to residency is arduous, often requiring sacrifices and strategic moves. Ehizomwengie’s story serves as an inspiration, showing how even the most unexpected circumstances can lead to a breakthrough.
As he steps into this new chapter, Ehizomwengie remains focused on his goals. He hopes to expand Mama Africa, eventually employing others in his community. “This permit is the first step,” he said. “Now I can plan for the future without fear of being displaced.” His experience highlights the importance of legal frameworks that allow individuals to build lives and contribute to society, even in the face of adversity. For Ehizomwengie, the journey was not just about winning money—it was about earning a place in Italy’s heart and proving that hope and hard work can triumph over hardship.
