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World Youth Skills Day: Minister Praises Nigerian Youth, Calls for Different Thinking

Published

5 years ago

July 15, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has challenged all Nigerian Youth to seek knowledge and skills that will help the country weather the current economic climate forced on it by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. He said there is no better time for young Nigerians to think differently, find new skills, reskill or up-skill as the case may be.

The Minister said this in a press statement on Wednesday, July 15th, to mark World Youth Skills Day. He said every Youth must seek self-improvement in order to remain relevant in the rapidly changing business environment and market conditions.

“I congratulate all Nigerian Youth on World Youth Day 2020,” the statement read. “It is heartwarming to see all the effort put in by young people in these most trying of times. I celebrate with you all, especially those who have taken it upon themselves to invest the free time forced on them by the global pandemic lock-downs to explore new horizons and develop new skills. The pandemic has seen our Youth rise up to exhibit their ideas, skills and potentials churning out innovative technology, apps and products.

“Covid-19 has changed the world in many ways and the best way to adapt is to engage your mind and body in the most creative and entrepreneurial way possible. In the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, you have a worthy partner in your journey to find a new skill, reskill or upskill yourself.”

Mr Dare said because of the partnership between his ministry and IBM, over 11,000 people have gained new digital skills via online training programmes. He added that the federal government has green-lighted the Economic Sustainability Plan, which is designed to inject about N2.3 Trillion into critical sectors of the economy to keep the Youth busy. He added that most of the beneficiaries of the Central Bank N50 million Covid-19 fund for SMEs are Youth and that several MDAs have increased the number of Youth being trained on digital skills, smart agriculture, diverse technical skills and alternative energy technology.

The Youth Minister called on global political and business leaders to take the risk and invest in the Youth.

“We join the rest of the world today to bring attention to the urgent need to invest more in our Youth,” Mr Dare said. “Nigeria is on a new trajectory of deliberately investing in the enterprise, innovativeness, ideas and projects of her youth. The stimulus plan recently approved by government targets the Youth for training, employment, investment and mentorship which will lead to the creation of over a million jobs in the next year. Indeed, the 1,000 jobs in each of the 774 local government areas under the Ministry of Labour and Productivity is aimed at creating jobs for the Youth in the skilled and semi-skilled segment.

“Under my leadership, the Ministry is currently tweaking its flagship programmes, DEEL and DY.NG, to provide skills for a resilient Youth in the era of COVID-19 and beyond. We are taking stock of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on skills development and exploring how young people can respond to the economic crisis. We are focused on helping young people be more resilient to changes caused by the current crisis and in the world of work in general. We are very confident that this is the best path to ensure success.”

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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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