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Dare Hails Ajimobi’s Contributions as He Congratulates Former Oyo Governor on 70th Birthday

Published

6 years ago

December 16, 2019

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare has described the immediate past Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi as a father figure whose leadership has positively impacted lives.

In a congratulatory message on Senator Ajimobi’s 70th birthday issued by his Media Office on Monday, Mr. Dare stated that the former governor’s leadership strides and acumen put Oyo State in the front burner on effective governance without a doubt as he ensured that the he left the State better than he met it, for which there are records to verify.

The statement reads, “To capture the essence of His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the immediate past governor of Oyo State in few words with is to embark on an uphill task. This becomes more difficult when one realizes that he means different things to different people.

“To some people, he is a mentor, to others, he is a benefactor and to the generality of the people, he is that governor who, after spending eight years to steer the ship of Oyo State, laid a solid foundation for its modern development. All these are true and many more that could only be captured with a close study of the person of His Excellency, and you cannot be sure you would have a complete picture.

“For me, he is a mentor, father figure and role model that I have always looked up to. I met him several years ago and I was able to further concretize my relationship with him through his friendship and relationship with Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

“He is someone who has a firm grasp and understanding of human nature. This has proved him in good stead in his interaction with those who have had the fortune of coming across him. I can say, from my dose relationship with him that he is a man of deep foresight, his understanding of what he wants for his immediate constituency as governor was never in doubt and this Impacted positively on his actions and work rate when he was governor. Not only that, his relationship with the leadership of the party, the All Progressives Congress, at the national level has also shown that he is a detribalized Nigerian.

“His leadership strides and acumen indeed put Oyo State in the front burner on effective governance without a doubt. He ensured that he left Oyo State better than he met it, and the records are there for all to verify.

“Though we might not have had the opportunity to express our unalloyed gratitude for his selfless service throughout the years, on this occasion of his 70th Birthday, our thoughts and prayers are with him and his beautiful family.

“The indelible mark he established would continue to serve as a source of inspiration for millions in the years ahead. I celebrate him on attaining this age in good health and a sound mind. The years ahead shall be filled with God’s grace in good health for him to continue to render invaluable services to humanity and our father’s land.

“As he clocks the milestone age of 70 years, I can only wish him good health and well-being as he continues to serve his people and the fatherland, Happy birthday Sir,” the Minister said.

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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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