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EndSARS : Mayhem As Protesters Clash, Destroy Vehicles

Published

5 years ago

October 14, 2020

…Investigations ongoing Says FCT Police Commissioner

Joel Ajayi

Pandemonium broke out in Abuja, following a clash between opposing #EndSARS Protesters at the ever-busy Berger Roundabout.

Trouble started hours after hundreds of anti Police brutality protesters otherwise known #EndSARS campaigners who in another round of protests stormed the busy interchange and forcefully prevented vehicular movements, and vented anger on the harmless passers-by, yesterday in Abuja.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn when a group of persons armed with sticks and stones clashed with #EndSARS campaigners.

Independent gathered that the protesters not only clashed with each other but attacked and destroyed vehicles and other structures on their path.

Eyewitness accounts who do want his name on the print told our correspondent that it took the intervention of the security operatives, to halt the raging mayhem from escalation, as the protesters were dispersed, and restored normalcy.

It would be recalled that there have been ongoing nationwide protests against the operations of the defunct Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigerian Police, despite its scrapping, barely four days ago.

Reacting to the development, the FCT Police Commissioner Bala Ciroma, said there were exchanges among those for, and against #ENDSARS at Julius Berger round-about in the early hours of Wednesday.

He explained that “there was a short exchange between the two groups but with the timely intervention of the police prevented the situation from escalating to a dangerous thing.

His words, “We have commenced an investigation to determine what happened at the Berger junction. About five vehicles were vandalized, no arrest has so far being made but the investigation is on, there is no casualty recorded” he said.

The CP further explained that the command has deployed some officers across the territory especially at strategic points to curb other security breaches.

“We have deployed a good number of officers across the territory to flash points to prevent any security breach. We urge the protesters to allow calm to return for economic activities to pick up in the Federal Capital Territory” he said.

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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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