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Ministry of Culture, FCTA Join Forces For Better Abuja Carnival

Published

6 years ago

November 5, 2019

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and the Federal Capital Territory Administration has joined forces together toward the hosting of purpose and impactful 2019 Abuja Carnival.

Abuja Carnival remains an annual event, with the aim and objective of preserving the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and also enhancing our unity.

The 2019 edition with the theme; ”Culture for Peace” is slated to hold 23rd to 25th November

This step was taken in Abuja on Tuesday when Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed paid his counterpart FCTA Minister Malam Bello Mohammed visit to perfect some grey areas toward the success of the forthcoming Abuja Carnival.

According to Alhaji Mohammed, we here to intimate you with the details of the 2019 Abuja Carnival and to also solicit your support and cooperation, as our host and partner, for the success of the event.

“Unlike in the past, we have decided to decentralize the Carnival by taking it to the area councils of the FCT, instead of restricting it to a few venues here in Abuja, in order to elicit more participation by the residents of the FCT.”

Highlighting the robust and impactful event and venue for this year carnival, the Minister said “Street Carnival and Opening Ceremony will hold from the Old Parade Ground to Area 1; Children Fiesta – Government Secondary School Garki (Area 10) Durbar will take place at Kuje Stadium

Other events are Boat Regatta slated for Jabi Dam, while Masquerade Fiesta has Govt. Day Secondary School, Gwagwalada as a venue.

Also, the Traditional Cuisine Fair/Bush Bar will take place at Old Parade Ground; Command Performance/Award Night at Banquet Hall, State House as Contemporary Music Fiesta will light up at Old Parade Ground.

He, however solicits the support of following from FCTA, there is no doubt that in order to have a successful Carnival, there must be a strong synergy between the Ministry of Information and Culture and the FCTA in particular and, of course, with other relevant stakeholders.

“We want FCTA to provide the following items for the success of the event, items include; Provision of accommodation for participants from the various states, Provision of venues, Provision of Security, Provision of Medical Services; Waste Management Control; Decoration of Venues and Streets; Street Merchandise
and Transport/Traffic Control.

Responding, the FCT Minister Malam Bello applauded the Minister of Information and Culture for the revised version of the Abuja carnival, stating that they will support him on the event which will showcase the FCT and locations within the six Area Councils.

He further noted that apart from being a carnival made to showcase and cement Nigeria’s unity as a country, it will be beneficial to the economy, adding that various secretariats will work closely with the Information ministry.

He also urged the Minister to consider incorporating a fishing festival in the next carnival 2020 as the FCT has water bodies to handle that.

While noting that funding is a huge challenge, he said it will not prevent them from continuing with the events, adding that the activities will require private sector funding.

In her brief contribution, the Minister of State FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, said the FCT will not shy away from her responsibility as host, despite paucity of funds,and assured that the carnival will be done beautifully and outstandingly.

“We will partner with you and have a list of other sister agencies and we will do it very well, she remarked.

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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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