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We Never Stopped Working- FCT COVID-19 Health Workers debunks Rumour

Published

5 years ago

June 5, 2020

We Never Stopped Working- FCT COVID-19 Health Workers debunks Rumour

Joel Ajayi

Members of the federal capital territory (FCT) COVID-19 emergency response team have denied media reports that they have abandoned their duty posts due to non-payment of their N30,000 daily allowance for April and May by the FCT Administration.

A member of the team, Mr. Alabi Adozia who spoke on behalf of other staff of the FCT Public Health Department working on the COVID-19 Pandemic, made this clarification while briefing journalists on Friday in Abuja.

He said they were fully aware of the grave challenge which the prevalence of the Corona virus poses to the health of Nigerians, pointing out that all their members are committed to the fight against the disease.

He said while it is true that some of them expressed their displeasure over the non-payment of their N30,000 daily allowance for two months, the action did not in any way affect the job of collection of sample of suspected COVID – 19 patients and other related activities.

It would be recalled that some section of the media had reported that sample collectors, case investigators, ambulance drivers, environmental health worker, temperature readers and cleaners working with the FCT COVID-19 emergency response team had embarked on a protest last Tuesday over the delay in the payment of the daily allowance.

Meanwhile, the Acting Secretary of the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Mohammed Kawu, has commended all members of the COVID-19 emergency response team for their commitment and dedication to duty in spite of the critical nature of their work.

He said apart from the risk of exposure to victims of the Corona virus, the health workers are always on duty round the clock to ensure that the pandemic is brought to an end in the Federal Capital Territory.

He assured the workers that the obstructions which hindered the payment of their allowances have since been addressed. Kawu said all those affected will receive the areas of the allowances in full while measures have been put in place to prevent similar occurrence in the future.

The Acting Secretary reiterated that the fight against the virus is fully on course in the FCT, pointing out that the Community Active Case Search is now being carried out in communities in all the six Area Councils of the FCT.

He reminded the residents that the virus is still spreading and people are being infected. He, therefore, called on the residents to support the fight against the dreaded disease by adhering to all established health protocols particularly regular hand washing, wearing of face masks and avoiding large gatherings and crowded places.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days 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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