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Nigeria @59: Let’s Boost Our Gains To Eliminate Deficiencies- AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Boss

Published

6 years ago

October 1, 2019

Nigeria @59: Let’s Boost Our Gains To Eliminate Deficiencies- AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Boss

Joel Ajayi

Every nation has its positive and negative sides, Nigeria is not an exception in any challenge it might be confronting, says Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator, African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development/ African Peer Review Mechanism ,AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement signed on Saturday by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant to NC/CEO, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria.

Akobundu gave the reminder in her goodwill message to the nation on the 59th Independence Anniversary.

According to her,as the nation marks her 59th Independence Anniversary, let us focus more on what we are getting right in order to confront what we need to do better.

“The nation may not have got to where it aught to be, but obviously, it is on a serious move to get there.

Despite the economic downturns that have been confronting Nigerians and Nigeria state for some time, there are still causes to be proud of our nation and ourselves as a people.

“Aside various efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to fix the economy and restore peace within the country, it has been a shining example for good governance in the sub region,” she said.

She added that “in the last four years,critical infrastructures that use to receive paltry portion of national budget had started receiving better attention.

“Roads are getting fixed, standard rail gauges are rigorously coming up in Nigeria.

Federal Government is on the verge of finding lasting solution to plethora of problems in the power sector for economic growth,” she said.

The National Coordinator commanded President Buhari for leadership steps taken.

“This year, the President approved transformation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) to African Union Development Agency (AUDA) for more effective functioning delivery on its new mandates.

“Similarly, our nation has positioned herself for advantages that will come with continental economic corridor as President Muhammadu Buhari signed African Continental Free Trade Areas (AfCFTA) agreement in July, at the AU extraordinary summit held in Niamey, Republic of Niger.

Under the incumbent government,Nigeria started Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) which makes over 9 million public school pupils to be assured of nourishing meal each school day all to the commitment of this administration.

That has not been achieved by accident but deliberate plans. Already, governments of sister nations are already engaging Nigeria on how to domesticate such noble programme in their various countries. This is in line with Malabo declaration on Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), a frame work of AUDA-NEPAD,” she said.

Also, Akobundu hinted on the success of an event organised by AUDA-NEPAD recently.

” In the past, International organisations and financial bodies had been urging African leaders to stem Illicit Financial Flows but Nigerian Government reversed the campaign at a high-level delegates session on side-line of 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), telling the host countries of Africa originated IFFs to reconsider their roles in the unwholesome act against other nations”.

She also reiterated that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, centre more on things that stymied standard development of nations.

“But with collective faith in government policies and resolute against all forms of corruption, Nigeria will surely attain the goals.

“African Union has fixed deadline of year 2020 to silence the guns within the continent while year 2063 has been earmarked for collective and individual development of African nations but Corruption in different forms makes that appear impossible,” she said.

She prayed for renewed peace and unity in the nation.

Akobundu concluded thus: Corruption leads to insurgency, embezzlement of funds, ethnicity, stealing, robbery, banditry,kidnapping and other related vices.

“Nigeria will definitely surpass excellence of her past while taking a lead in the global comity of developed nations if the entire citizenry reflect on the consequence of corruption and eschew it in every guise”.

It will be recalled that AUDA-NEPAD/APRM and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Nigeria on Thursday, jointly organised a high-level side-line event at the 74th UNGA titled: Promotion of International Cooperation to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Strengthen Good Practices on Assets Recovery and return to Sustainable Development’.

The event was attended by invited Heads of governments, Representatives of UN and European Union.

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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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