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AUDA-NEPAD/APRM, Army Hold 2-day Summit To Eradicate Insecurity, Electoral Violence

Published

6 years ago

September 2, 2019

Joel Ajayi

African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development/ African Peer Review Mechanism, (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM) Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army hold two-Day summit on how to eradicate insecurity and electoral violence in the nation.

This is contained in a statement signed on Monday by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant to the National Coordinator/ Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM.

Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator, Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM, said the summit, scheduled for Sept.10- Sept.11 would greatly benefit the nation.

“Critical stakeholders will be actively engaged to find lasting solutions to Nigeria’s insecurity and electoral related violence.

The Nigerian Army, through the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) will host participants of the summit at NARC headquarters, Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.

According to Akobundu, no nation can optimally grow in an atmosphere of insecurity and violence, as can be seen in Nigeria today even as the current Federal Government invests a lot on socio-economic growth while combating criminality.

“In order to complement President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to entrench maximum security of lives and property, while strengthening violence-free electoral processes, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM, in Collaboration with Nigerian Army organizes a two-day summit for stakeholders to proffer lasting solutions to such problems.

“Government’s efforts to banish terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other vices have been heroic, while security agencies have been confronting them, at times paying the ultimate price to entrench peace, it is high time all stakeholders came together and find lasting solution to all shades of violence within the country,” the agency boss said.

The Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Barrister Boss Mustapha, who is also Nigeria’s APRM Focal Point will declare the event open after the welcome address by Akobundu.

Day one of the summit will be chaired by Prof.Ibrahim Gambari, Chairperson, APRM Panel of Eminent Persons in the continent, who will deliver his goodwill message along with others including Sen. Abba Ali, Chairman, National Governing Council (NGC) APRM-Nigeria; Maj. Gen. G.A. Wahhab (Rtd), Director-General, NARC, among others.

Day two will be chaired by Engr. Umar B. Bindir, Secretary to the State Government( SSG) Adamawa State.

“As the Secretariat of APRM in the country, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM is mandated to work with necessary stakeholders for the nation to achieve: Democracy and Political Governance; Economic Governance and Management; Corporate Governance and; Socio-Economic Development,” the National Coordinator said.

The summit with the theme ‘Terrorism, Insurgency and incidence of electoral violence in Nigeria: Role of Security Agencies ‘ will be chaired by Prof. Gambari, a former Minister of External Affairs and Permanent Representative to United Nations.

“During the summit, critical stakeholders from security agencies, democratic institutions, political actors, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society organizations (CSOs) among others will be constructively engaged to proffer workable solutions to insecurity and other forms of violence in the country.

“Papers will be presented by highly respected resource persons like Prof. Eddy Maloka, C.E.O, APRM Continental and others from the academia, security agencies, Ministry, Department, and Agencies (MDAs) while participants from various backgrounds will have opportunities to ask germane questions on insecurity and electoral violence during the summit

“Through the summit, we hope to come up with suggestions that will, among others: deepen synergy among the security agencies; make the general public to be more confident to carry out their legitimate businesses and; restore the confidence of domestic and foreign investors in the Nigerian economy.

“A communique will be issued at the end of day 2, which will be communicated to appropriate quarters for consideration” Akobundu added.

“The summit is also expected to proffer solutions on how the nation can attain African Union (AU) ‘Agenda 2020’ which aims to ‘Silence the Guns by the year 2020’ as part of AU’s roadmap for the continent to be fully democratic, peaceful, secured and developed by 2063,” AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Boss said.

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

Published

7 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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