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AU Summit: AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria Calls For More Continental Collaboration On TVET

Published

6 years ago

February 9, 2020

Joel Ajayi

Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Devlopment (AUDA-NEPAD) Nigeria, has called for active collaboration of the Continental Office with Nigeria on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

This is contained in a statement signed by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant to Akobundu.

Akobundu made the call on Saturday in her remarks at the 37th AUDA-NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) meeting of the African Union as part of 33rd AU Summit in Addis Ababa .

Akobundu’s call became necessary so that the nation can further bridge infrastructural gap in various sectors while reducing unemployment through provision of adequate technical know-how.

“I respectfully urge support and active collaboration of AUDA-NEPAD Continental Office and Nigeria Country Office in the efficient implementation of its mandates and the 2020 programme of Action of the Nigeria Country Office on Technical and Vocation Learning, the TVET Initiative of the AUDA-NEPAD framework”.

The National Coordinator intimated the dignitaries on great achievements so far made by the Country office in order to achieve AUDA objectives through various flagship programmes since she took over its stewardship.

Akobundu respectfully informed the gathering of Heads of Governments that, AUDA-NEPAD Country Office Nigeria had effectively implemented the AUDA flagship programmes in line with its mandates.

“The Agency is leaving no one behind in achieving a prosperous Africa we want .

“I most sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his approval to Transform AUDA –NEPAD Country Office for efficient operation, and effective service delivery”.

She said, due to presidential supports, AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria had domesticated its mandates at the grassroots in order to carry all along and accelerate economic growth and sustainable development in the country.

While calling for Continental support, the Country CEO recalled that President Buhari had passionately aided sustenance of over 16 programmes from central to the grassroots through Ministries, Departments and Agencies,noting they were directly promoting objectives of AUDA-NEPAD in Nigeria.

The programmes include: Social Intervention programmes; Educational Support Programmes; Massive Infrastructural Development;Trade and Investment : bilateral integration, ease of doing business.

Also, Social Investment Programme; Agricultural Revolution; Intervention Fund; Improved Infrastructural development; Reform of NEPAD in Nigeria etc.

Akobundu concluded by inviting the gathering of AU heads of Governments to the launching of AUDA-NEPAD in Nigeria.

“I look forward to welcoming your Excellences to Nigeria for the official Launch of AUDA-NEPAD and I wish Dr Ibrahim Mayaki ,the CEO of AUDA-NEPAD Continental Office and the Management and Staff of the AUDA Continental Office the very best”.

AUDA-NEPAD/ African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Nigeria’s team, led by Akobundu would be attending meetings with their counterparts at the Summit to deepen continental development.

Akobundu is also on President Buhari’s entourage, along with Ministers and State Governors to the summit which will end February 10, to be followed by state visit to Ethiopia on February 11.

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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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