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5th Edition of NYG: FCT Coaches, Athletes Groans

Published

6 years ago

September 19, 2019

5th Edition of NYG: Coaches, Athletes Groans

…..I Regrets Going To Ilorin with FCT Team-Coach

Joel Ajayi

While other states athletes were receiving accolades left and right center as many are smiling to the bank the The Gleamer News confirmed that the portion of athletes and coaches were nothing but gnashing of teeth and full of regret.

Athletes and coaches of FCT at the just concluded National Youth Games NYG in Ilorin Kwara State have expressed their displeasured over the poor treatment from the FCT Sports Council, saying they regretted going to Ilorin with FCT team.

It will be recalled that The Gleamer News reported that 5 days to the commencement of the 2019 edition NYG in Ilorin, the Nation’s capital’s City team were not given adequate preparation as athletes were subjected to untidy preparation due to inability of FCT Administration to released fund for better preparation.

It was equally reported that during the games in Ilorin Officials of Team FCT and athletes were held hostage as they are unable to offset the balance for their accommodation fees.

Officials which includes the coaches and the sports association secretaries did not received a dime since their arrival at the University of Ilorin, the venue for the 5th National Youth Games. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had promised to get funds available for the annual Games which gave them the confidence to leave on credit but till Sunday, 15th September, 2019 (the last day of the tournament) a dime has not been paid to the coaches and athletes who represent FCT at the Youth Games.

Some of the officials who rented an apartment inside the school campus will not be released by the hostel staff as they are yet to pay for their accommodation. The hostel staffs have threatened not to allow them to move out of their apartment unless their money is paid today.

These and many agonies were the portions of FCT athletes and coaches at the just concluded tournament in Kwara state.

Narrating the ordeal one of the FCT coaches who doesn’t want his name to be mentioned said: “No support, nothing, they did not give the Athletes anything, I am the one taking care of the athletes with my money.

“They just abandoned us, they don’t even care about how are going to survive after we played, we won and they were informed, even at the final nobody came to see whether we survive or not.

“This is very sad. I regret going to Ilorin with FCT team, other state called me to come and coach them I say no, other state paid their athletes 40,000, I rejected such offer, and it was a bitter, lesson up till now, no allowance were given to us.

“I spoke with Director of Sports Mrs Dilichukwu even the track suit, they were given, we did not get, and they share it among themselves.”

When asked if accommodation and feeding were given? he replied: “Though They give us food and accommodation but the treatment was a bitter experience.”

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

Published

1 week 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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