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Water Resources Minister Urges State Govt. To Domesticate Executive Order 009

Published

5 years ago

July 17, 2020

Joel Ajayi

Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu FNSE, FAEng, has encouraged all States of the Federation to domesticate the Executive Order 009 recently signed by President Muhammadu Buhari to end Open Defecation in Nigeria by 2025.

Engr. Adamu gave the encouragement on Thursday 16th July 2020 in Abuja when he virtually met with the 36 States and F.C.T Coordinators of the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ Campaign.

He urged the State Coordinators to work fast in order to meet National Action Plan on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 6, End Open Defecation before the target year of 2025, and to participate in the Covid – 19 Emergency Response.

According to him, the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ Campaign is a National Programme aimed at Ending Open Defecation in Nigeria by 2025. It was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on 8th May, 2019. President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo launched the National Campaign to End Open Defecation on 19thNovember, 2019.

However, some Coordinators from the different States made their contributions on the milestone achievements and challenges in the course of their work.

On his own, the Cross River State Coordinator, Mr. Eyo Offiong said his State is currently updating WASH Information Infrastructural Baseline, noting that adequate measures are being taken against Covid -19. He added that six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in his State have Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

Bauchi State Coordinator, Sabo Adamu told the meeting that jingles have been aired throughout the State to sensitize the populace against the dangers and prevention of Covid -19 pandemic. He explained that various Water Schemes have been rehabilitated while Open their Defecation Free Roadmap was developed in 2019.

Akwa Ibom State Coordinator Mr. Idongesit Ido said that his State Government has provided Sanitation Facilities in the Public Places against Covid -19 pandemic. The State Government has also selected Desk Officers from all the LGAs as Representatives of the Clean Nigeria Campaign.

Earlier in his welcome address, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation FMWR, Mr. Emmanuel Awe said the meeting will afford the Honourable Minister a good opportunity to get firsthand information from the State Delegates on their activities at making their respective States achieve Open Defecation Free status.

The State Delegates will on the other hand get valuable suggestions and inputs from the Hon. Minister on how best to help their respective States achieve Open Defecation Free status on or before the set date of 2025.

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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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