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Naija drivers, riders carnival to promote FG policies

Published

6 years ago

October 17, 2019

A group, Naija Drivers And Riders Carnival In Nigeria, is set to celebrate private and commercial drivers for their immense role in the economic development, noting that they remain a major contributor to daily activities in the Nigerian society.

The National Coordinator of the Carnival, Hon Andy Oyeaqanau who disclosed this in Abuja yesterday, at the flag-Off of the Carnival/ National Road Transport Merit Award (NAROTMA) 2019 said there is need to celebrate drivers and identify their importance in economic development as nothing can be done on the roads without them.

Speaking on the theme “I Celebrate A Driver I Celebrate My Self,” Oyeaqanau said the maiden edition of the award which will take place Friday in Abuja is organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transportation to also create awareness on the increasing road crashes.

He noted that “the sole purpose of drivers carnival is to give that honour to drivers, to let the whole world know the importance of driving and the importance of drivers in our daily activities.

“We felt that when you meet drivers you say this common driver and we now went up to think whether these people are really common. It is from the common aspect and uncommon aspect of drivers that this very particular programme came up.

He added that the event is also design to help promote and drive key government safety policies that will stimulate change in the area of safety on the roads. “We are also creating awareness on the increase on road crashes and honour drivers and others who are contributing to the safety of Nigerians on the roads.

“Also, there is a policy from Federal Ministry of Transport called ‘Road Crime Control System (RCCS)’. It helps control crime in Nigeria. It has been in the pipeline but now is coming in to the books with this event,

“From Ministry of Interior we have the Nigeria Internal Security and Public Safety Alert System (NISPSAS). These are technological device for safety on Nigerian roads, so we want to use this carnival to drive home these policies to Nigerian drivers with Awards on Friday at International Conference Centre, Abuja. The Queen of England will also get an award because driving in Nigeria originated from our colonial masters,” Onyeqanau said.

He said the awards includes Accidental, Life Time Achievement, Information and posthumous, all to celebrate drivers, while a nationwide tour will start after the award ceremony to Nov. 30.

The representative of the Ministry of Transportation, Sharana Aine Jennifer said drivers need to be celebrated going by their critical roles in the Society.

“We have to celebrate the drivers because we all have children that go to school. We see school buses that take them to school and back home, that is why we should celebrate and appreciate them.

On his part, the Managing Director, Fyemto Integrated Logistics And Transport Services, Bully Edwin said the award will also present opportunity to discuss the confidence of the driver against insecurity on the Nigerian roads. “We are also using the event to sensitize drivers on safety measure on the roads particularly now the country is facing serious security threats, many which occur on the roads.”

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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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