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Guard Your Utterances, FCT Minister Of State Charges Kogites

Published

6 years ago

September 8, 2019

Joel Ajayi

As Kogi State governorship election draws near, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has charged political gladiators in the major political parties to guard against their utterances for a violent free election.

Aliyu who gave the charge in Abuja when members of Kogi State House of Assembly paid her a courtesy visit also acknowledged the fact that it is not yet Uhuru until after the governorship elections when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) shall sing a song of victory.

She, therefore, charged elected lawmakers in the state to go back home and win the trust of the people ahead of the governorship election, assuring that most of the legislators have already delivered their constituency.

Aliyu affirmed that the era of divide and rule in Kogi State is over, noting that the ruling party is ready to work for the continuity of Governor Yahaya Bello, as one big and united family.

“We came out successful during our primaries, but it is not yet Uhuru until after elections when we shall jointly sing songs of praise. The era of divide and rule in Kogi State is over because we are now one big family. We should unit together and make Kogi a hub of industries and tourist attractions.

“The governor should go and sleep and trust us. For me, Kogi State in the near future will not be a poor state because of the tourism potentials God has given us. But we cannot do it alone, we have to partner relevant bodies and other arms of government. I will serve as your massager at the federal level to make our voice known to Mr. President.

“Kogi has come to stay because we are now one family ready to work for the continuity of our governor. Legislators should go back home and talk to their people for them to win their trust. By doing that, the election will be over. I know most of you have already delivered your constituency.

“But more importantly, guard your utterances towards the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State. Prove to Nigerians that Kogi governorship election is the most violent free, just as we witnessed during the primaries. There will be no snatching of ballot boxes to prove a point to the oppositions. I appeal to you to remain calm,” she said

On his part, the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Matthew Kolawale, observed that the state ought to have developed more than Lagos as the oldest capital city of Nigeria, just as he regretted that leadership failure has been a major drawback of the state.

He, however, expressed confidence that with the appointment of FCT Minister of State from Kogi, she will change the narratives, just as he appealed to Federal Government to cite a seaport in Kogi State to service the nation’s capital.

According to him, “for us, we are happy for this appointment and we identify with you as our illustrious daughter. I am happy to hear from you that you are from Kogi State and does not belong to any tribe.

“You can use your position to facilitate many things to the state because the FCT is already choked. If there is any seaport that will service the FCT, it should be cited in Kogi State. We want to assure you that with the composition of Kogi State House of Assembly, the election is over”.

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Featured

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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