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MTN Foundation, Youth Ministry Collaborate on Youth Development

Published

6 years ago

January 24, 2020

MTN Foundation, Youth Ministry Collaborate on Youth Development

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has scored another partner for his DEEL initiative as the MTN Foundation has indicated an interest in supporting the ministry’s effort to increase investment in the Nigerian youth.

At a meeting with the foundation’s management on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister explained that focus has moved from empowerment programmes to actual investment in the youth for which several partners have signed up to support the ministry in achieving the goals of the DEEL Initiative.

The Minister emphasized the importance of Public-Private Partnerships and sought the collaboration of the foundation in actualizing the mandate of the Ministry.

While urging the representatives to take a tour around the stadium he said, he asked the foundation to prevail on its business arm to tap into the Adoption Campaign.

He said, “I urge this team to spare 15 minutes and take a walk around and see that the nation has a gem in the Moshood Abiola Stadium. It can be compared to any in the world.”

The Minister also explained how the sport is now being treated as a business while expressing the administration’s commitment to evolving a sustainable business model.

“We are about trying to create a sustainable model that can transform sports into a business. Our sports right now is just recreation, elsewhere sports is business. Other countries that do not have as up to our population have turned sports into a business”.

He also harped on the need to prepare the youth for leadership today to equip them for tomorrow.

He called on the foundation to join other organizations that are already working with the Ministry as strategic implementation partners to deliver her mandate.

The DEEL initiative of the Ministry is aimed at Youth Development which represents; D – Digital Skills Acquisition, E- Entrepreneurship, E- Employability, L- Leadership.

While Speaking, the MTN Director of Communication, Tobe Okigbo, said MTN foundation will work with the ministry of youth and Sports.

“We have been supporting others sector, education, scholarship amongst others and since you emerge as Minister the whole Nigeria know your passion and effort toward the development of Sports.

“The visit was to work out a mutual partnership that would be of benefit to all youths in the country I am made to boldly say Nigerian youth are lucky to have you as a minister.”

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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