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IAAF:Sports Minister Inagurates Committee To unravel Nigeria Athletes’ Poor Performance In DOHA

Published

6 years ago

October 21, 2019

…Give committee 7-Day Ultimatum

Joel Ajayi

In his determination to to appraise the causes and factors responsible for the abysmal performance of the Team Nigeria of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria at the just concluded 2019 World Athletics Championship held in Doha, Qatar from September 26 – October 6, 2019 the Minister of Youth and Sports Mr Sunday Dare on Monday inagurated 9-man committee to unravel the misery.

Committee which include: Prof. Ken Anugweje as Chairman; Dr. Umar Bindir Member; Mr. Rotimi Obajimi Member; Alh. Ibrahim Galadima Member; Mr. Dare Esan Member; Amb. Mary Onyali Member; Chief Falilat Ogunkoya Member and Mrs. Maria Wophill Member/Secretary.

Speaking during the inauguration inside MKO Abiola Stadium Abuja he said the concern of the Ministry on the less than impressive performance of athletes of the Team Nigeria at the Doha.

According to him, the concern of the Ministry on the performance of the AFN athletes is underscored by the fact that the Team Nigeria of the AFN at the 12th Africa Games held in Morocco in August 16-31, 2019 led the Athletics Medal Table with 23 medals comprising 10 Gold, 7 Silver and 6 Bronze.

“Kenya occupied the 2nd Position with a total of 20 medals comprising 10

Gold, 7 Silver and 3 Bronze. However at the Doha World Athletics Championship, Kenya came 2nd in the overall medal table and 1st Position in Africa with a total of 11 medals while Nigerian achieved a distant 9th Position to Kenya with a win of only a Bronze.

“The countries of Ethiopia, Uganda, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire, Morocco and Namibia all came above Nigeria in Africa. Hence the logical question to ask is, was the performance of our athletes at the 12th AG, fluke?

“There were arguments and counter arguments of indiscipline and headiness. However, there can be no fire without smoke. Your Committee is therefore to unearth the smoke that billowed to the fire of indiscipline that deprived the nation of its enviable position at the 2019 World Athletics Champion.”

Giving the committee task, Mr Dare said “your assignment is indeed tasking and very daunting. Nigerians and indeed the sports community are looking forward to your Committee of wise men to unravel the “facts, figures and falsehoods” of the lackluster

performance at the Doha. You are also saddled with the responsibility to unravel the events that led to the disqualification of two promising athletes of the AFN and the response to the enquiry of the Ministry on same.

“For all these responsibilities, your Committee has only one week within which you are expected to turn in your report. This is not unsurmountable, noting that a number of members of this Committee were there in Doha. Their experiences and firsthand information obtained will greatly assist your assignment.

“The main challenge to us as a Ministry and as a nation is on mitigating the unpleasant experiences of Doha in order to avoid future reoccurrences. Accordingly, your Committee has been assigned the following Terms of Reference: To evaluate the factors responsible for the less than impressive performance of Nigeria’s athletes at the recently concluded World Athletics Championship in Doha, Qatar.

” Also, to evaluate the remote and immediate factors responsible for the avoidable disqualification of Blessing Okagbare and Divine Oduduru. To evaluate and advise on the response of the Technical Director of the AFN, Mr. Sunday Adeleye to the query issued to him.

“Establish outstanding claims to Athletes and Officials from Doha 2019. Identify and report on the roles of the IAAF in the hosting of the Championship to Athletes and Officials. Make recommendations that would ensure improved performance of Nigeria’s Athletes at major Championships. and To Make any other recommendations as may be deemed fit.”

He, therefore gave the committee 7 days ultimatum to finish their findings.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee Prof. Ken Anugweje, Promised that the committee will discharged their duty solemy, not to be impatial and passionate in carry out this assignment given to them.

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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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