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2nd Peer Review: Buhari, APRM Continental Sign MoU On Technical Mission

Published

5 years ago

January 18, 2021

Joel Ajayi

As part of efforts to conduct successful Country’s Self-assessment Report (CSAR) that will lead to Second Peer Review of Nigeria after the first Review in 2008, President Muhammadu Buhari will today sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Committee of Heads of States and Government participating in African Union Peer Review Mechanism (AU- APRM) Forum via the virtual platform (Zoom Conference) by 3 p.m Nigerian time.

This was said by Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development/APRM Nigeria on Sunday, 17 January 2021.

In a statement signed by Media Assistant to NC/CEO, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria Abolade Ogundimu on Monday in Abuja.

APRM is a voluntary self-assessment instrument founded in 2003 for AU member states, focusing on four thematic areas to identify individual nation’s strengths and weaknesses for others to emulate or learn from.

According to Akobundu, the MoU signing would have been done physically but now on virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions in many nations, which will further reaffirm President Buhari’s commitment to deepening good governance and economic development in the Country using the AU-APRM framework.

“Nigeria will make another giant leap in its commitment to greater development in democracy and economic stability on 18 January 2021 when President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), will sign the MoU with AU- APRM.

The President will be supported by the APRM National Focal Point, Mr. Boss Mustapha (Secretary to the Government of the Federation), the National Governing Council led by its Chairman, Senator Abba Ali, APRM National Secretariat, and all other structures and critical stakeholders in the country.

“We welcome AU-APRM Forum, Country Support Mission, led by Ambassador Mona Attia, the leadership of the National Assembly, APRM State and local structures, stakeholders, and members of the media.

“The signing is crucial to the conclusion of the ongoing Country Self-assessment Report in four thematic areas of APRM, being conducted across the six geo-political zones by the National Secretariat, led by NGC Members.

“The Review Process in the country has been steadily going on despite COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and the need to adhere to its safety protocols, in public events,” she said.

The reports were gathered through questionnaires distributed to assess individual, public, and group opinions, as well as town hall meetings of stakeholders.

The assessment had been carried out in APRM thematic areas: Democracy and Political Governance; Socioeconomic Development; Economic Governance and Management; and Corporate Governance.

The questionnaires and reports of town hall meetings were been analyzed by Technical Research Institutes (TRIs), harmonized by APRM National Secretariat, transmitted to the National Technical Panel for further review.

It would be recalled the Review Process started with a Broad sensitization/training session for the Country Review team in February 2020 before COVID-19 lockdown,, and all other processes involving the Continental office had been via a virtual platform.

The signing would be followed by the submission of CSAR to Mr. President and submission to APRM Continental for validation by the Country Support Mission that would visit the Country and report back to the APRM forum for review and adoption by participating Heads of States and Governments of APRM during the next AU annual Summit.

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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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