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Rt Hon Nse Essien commissions camp for FC One Rocket

Published

6 years ago

October 16, 2019

Member representing, Onna State constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of A ssembly, who is also the chairman, committee on security, youth & sports,Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, has commissioned a brand new camp for new FC One Rocket in Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking to newsmen during the opening of the new blocks of buildings he constructed, Hon. Essien who is owner of the club said, “this team was born out of a vision that I have for young people not just the in the State but Nigeria as a whole because this team does not recognise the background of religion or ethnicity. It is open for every young footballer who can play good football”.

While speaking on the young team’s performance in their various outings so far, he said, “we just won the inaugural eight-team tournament at just three months old, I can bet you that this team is a team that will go places because we have young men who are ready to give their best to the round leather game”.

“Most importantly, the vision is to take these young boys out of the street and give them a platform to become the Kanu Nwankwos of today and tomorrow.”

Citing examples on how far the players can go he said, “look at Victor Osihmen, who left Nigeria about 4 years ago and he is doing so well in Lille that the whole world is focusing attention on him, about three years ago that wasn’t the case . He was just like these young boys. Again Samuel Chukwueze, where was he three years ago? He was just like one of them here, so they have the opportunity now to exhibit their God-given talents to the world.The vision is to provide them the platform which we have just done”.

Hon. Essien concluded by saying that just like with every other business endeavor, he hopes to recoup his investment. “Football is a lucrative business and I believe that with the calibre of boys we have in this team, we’ll be able to market them to the world and sustain the team.”

The three month old Football Club has had an impressive run so far beating NNL side Ibom Youth and Vandresser FC, a National League side in some of their outings.

Kola Daniel.

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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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