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Abioye at 60: Ibiyeomie calls for visionary, responsible leadership

Published

5 years ago

March 11, 2021

Bishop David Ibiyeomie, Senior Pastor, Salvation Ministry, has called for transgenerational leaders that would think of the country’s next generation rather than thinking of how to win elections.
Ibiyeomie made the call in Nasarawa on Wednesday on the sideline of a public lecture to celebrate the 60th birthday of Bishop David Abioye, a Senior Pastor at the Living Faith Church.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Building a Leadership that Last’, he described Abioye as a man of noble and humble character, worthy of emulation.

Further describing Abioye as a man of integrity, flexibility, humility, stewardship and empathy, Ibiyeomie said these attributes, if exhibited by political leaders, would translate to a better country.
He advised that the country would achieve greater exploit if we looked out for visionary leaders that would translate positively to development in education, health and every facet of human lifestyle.
“My advice to Nigeria is to look for visionary leaders that can help move the country forward. Politicians talk about the next elections, but statesmen talk about the next generation.

“What Nigeria needs is a statesman, who will think of the next generation, not just the next election.
“Leadership is not a title; it is when men have you in their mind.

“In Christ, the goal of our leadership is to serve the people and not to oppress them,” he said.
Meanwhile, a former governor of Cross River, Liyel Imoke, said that the need to address the issue of good leadership was becoming rare in this dispensation.

According to Imoke, what confers leadership on anyone is not the office he holds, but the leadership qualities such a person possesses.

“Shortage of good leadership will translate to shortage of good development and we all need to address this as a nation.

“Leadership is different from an office. For the fact that you hold an office does not possibly confer on you true leadership.

“It is a quality that is not given by an office. So, if you do not have that quality, when you get into office, you will still not be able to lead,” said Imoke.
The former governor also called on leaders to possess the fear of God, saying the absence of this would destroy goals to achieve development.

Responding, Abioye thanked God for the privilege given to him to serve the people.
According to him, leadership has nothing to do with occupying a position, but it’s all about being able to take steps and do what others are not privileged to do.

The nation, he said, would experience greatness if more right leaders were placed to lead the people.
He observed the dearth of visionary leadership as an issue to be attended to across the nations of Africa.
“If you are a rising leader, the followers will rise. If you are a falling leader, everyone will go down the lane,” he said.

He concluded that leadership had to do more with harnessing human resources than with mineral resources.

Most developed countries without mineral resources, he said, simply harnessed their human resources.
Other dignitaries at the event are, Apostle Emmanuel Kure, Founder, Throneroom Thrust Ministry, Kafancha, Kaduna State and Mr. Fela Durotoye, a former presidential aspirant in the 2019 elections.

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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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