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Buhari To Declare Open 2020 NSF In Edo

Published

6 years ago

March 16, 2020

…Government will not stop NSF-Health Minister

Joel Ajayi

The 2020 edition of National Sports Festival NSF slated for 22nd March to 1st April in Edo State Capital South-South Nigeria would be declared open by the President Muhammadu Buhari.

Amongst other dignitaries include, National Assembly, State Governors, Commissioners of Sports, State Directors of Sports, President NOC, Sports Veterans are all lovers of sports.

To this end, the Federal Government has restated its affirmative actions towards containment and preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19; and resolved to host the Sports Festival tagged ‘ EDO 2020’ slated for 22nd March – 1st April 2020.

Dr. Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health, made this declaration during a Press Briefing in Abuja. Reinforcing the position of the Federal Government towards the hosting of the Unity Games in the present circumstance, the Minister categorically said ”As far as the Sports Festival is concerned, we shall recommend to the Organizers to screen everybody both participating and all the spectators, because at the moment we don’t see very strong threat internally.

Expatiating on this medical advice, Dr. Ehanire stated that ” we are not recommending a ban on everything unless the situation changes. Nevertheless, the precaution of making sure that everyone is screened is our focus. Those who are looking in any way suspicious will be disallowed entry straight away so that they don’t pose any kind of risk to others until their symptoms are clear. If the Organizers do that, I think there is no good reason not to hold the festival.

Continuing, the Minister of Health argued persuasively and stated that ” Every country takes measures that are consistent with its own situation. There are countries where the virus is spreading widely and they have been forced to cancel various activities whether it is business, trade fair, etc. We are not in that category, and we thank God.

As it is now, we have seen a couple of cases which we have been able to contain. If you don’t have very pressing reasons, you don’t have to start banning everything”

Recall that most recently, Dr. Osagie Ehanire declared during his widely transmitted update on television that the two suspected index cases have tested negative.

Corroborating the above submissions by the Health Minister on preventive and proactive measures, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare admonished all athletes and participating officials to abide with his advisory on the usage of Hand Sanitizers throughout the duration of the Sports Festival, as part of a wider safety steps/measures by the Main Organizing Committee on ”Edo 2020”; towards ensuring a secure, virus-free and successful games.

Furthermore, it is pertinent to state that Mr. Dare during his three states visit Asaba in Delta State en route Awka in Anambra, and finally to Benin City, Edo State; he met with the Local Organizing Committee ( LOC) to review the medical preparations for Edo 2020 Games, especially to review plans for the containment of any suspected case and possible spread of the virus. The Deputy Governor of Edo state was around to assist the Ministry as partners in a mission of actualizing national unity, stability and economic prosperity for our youths through the instrumentality of sports.

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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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