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Constituency Project: Most Fraudulent Creation Of The Political Class – Don

Published

5 years ago

November 19, 2020

A Lecturer of Journalism at Lagos State University, Dr Tunde Akanni has faulted the impact and relevance of the Zonal Intervention Project (ZIP) popularly called constituency project since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Akanni faulted the foundation of constituency projects in Nigeria and further labeled it as the most fraudulent creation of the political class in Nigeria

The Don who doubles as a Technical Adviser of MacArthur Foundation’s Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), made the statement during a radio program, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG.

He was reacting to an investigation by Premium Times exposing how a federal government agency in collaboration with a former lawmaker, Segun Williams diverted boreholes to ex-Nigerian Head of state’s residence, Ernest Shonekan, and his own farm.

According to him, Nigeria cannot boast of any positive development from constituency projects, stressing that legislators should focus on making laws rather than getting involved in constituency projects.

“Members of the National Assembly since 1999 have been more concerned with the enrichment of their personal pocket far more than improving or development process for the rest of us who have gone through the troubles to elect them into power.

“What is the business of the legislature with the construction of gutters, toilets, and so on, what are we doing with councilors? What are we doing with the local government? So, somebody must come from Abuja to fix toilets at the grassroots level?

“National Assembly members have been trying to appropriate funds to themselves by coming up with this idea of constituency project, it is the most fraudulent creation of strategy they have come up with,” Akanni maintained.

He urged civil society organizations in the country to keep on documenting all corruption in constituency projects in readiness to confront the legislature, adding: “we have to put a stop to this idea of constituency projects because it is a terrible window for wastage.”

Similarly, Program Executive at Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism, Ijeoma Okereke, lauded PRIMORG for creating such a platform to expose corruption.

Okereke also agreed to the popular perception that Nigeria cannot boast of commensurate infrastructural development considering the billions it invested in constituency projects over the years.

Her words: “We are not getting value. Out of ten projects we tracked, we only found one that was well done and in use and that is not valuable.

“Schools they constructed are in dilapidated conditions, there are no boreholes or even when they are implementing a project, you will discover that it stops working three months after. Is that value for money, she asked?

She identified lack of needs assessment as the major challenge facing constituency project execution in Nigeria.

“Citizens not having a say in the projects presented by their representatives is a big problem, they don’t get to have one-on-one conversation with their representatives which is the reason they were nominated in the first place. So, these projects do not meet the needs of the people; you are putting boreholes in a community, why not go and ask them what they really want,” Okereke said.

The syndicated radio program is produced by PRIMORG with the support from the MACARTHUR FOUNDATION.

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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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