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NYSC Assures Continuous Compliance With Freedom Of Information Act

Published

4 years ago

July 13, 2021

… Commit To Successful Implementation Of FOIA –

Joel Ajayi

The National Youth Service Corps has said it will not relent in complying with the provisions of the freedom of Information Act,as well as put measures in place to entrench transparency and accountability in the day-to-day running of the Scheme.

The Scheme equally said that its leaving no stone unturned to ensure successful implementation of freedom of Information Act in the country.

The Director General of National Youth Service Corps NYSC Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim gave this assurance on Tuesday, in Abuja at the opening ceremony of 2020 edition of NYSC’s FOIA Desk Officers training workshop, saying that, the Scheme, among all MDAs, has the highest number of FOIA Schedule Officers.

The workshop that is designed for the Desk Officers to update their knowledge and their skills to enable them work effectively and efficiently in discharge of their duty with the theme; “Boosting Government’s Fight against Corruption through the Freedom of Information Act”.

According to him, NYSC has remained committed to the successful implementation of the FOI Act since it came into effect in 2011 in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the domestication of the Act by all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“Another mark of our commitment is the fact that, among all MDAs, NYSC has the highest number of FOIA Schedule Officers as could be seen in the roll call of participants in this workshop.

“This, coupled with our effective feedback mechanism, ensures prompt response to FOI requests and timely rendition of annual reports to the Federal Ministry of Justice over the years.

“Therefore, I implore you to build on the successes recorded through greater dedication to your duties as Desk Officers and to assist Management in sensitizing other members of Staff to continue to adhere to the work ethics of probity and accountability.”

DG therefore lauded the commitment and resourcefulness of the Desk Officers as well as the entire workforce of the Scheme, which contributed immensely to the modest heights NYSC have attained so far urged them to intensify efforts in the discharge of their duties in order to achieve the Scheme’s target of becoming the leading agency in FOIA compliance.”

Associate Professor Brigadier General Ibrahim however, charged FOIA Desk officer to ensure knowledge that will be imparted in them be used for effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery.

However, the NYSC Boss, also reiterated that NYSC Management would resist any attempt to threaten the integrity of the Scheme’s operations and processes, including the mobilization, deployment, relocation and posting of Corps Members, adding that the Scheme remains committed to protecting the lives Corps Members.

In her welcome addressed the PPR of the Mr Adenike Adeyemi said that the FOIA desk officers workshop is designed to for Scheme’s Desk Officers to update their knowledge and skill to enable them work effectively and efficiently in discharge their duty.

“NYSC FOIA Desk Officers’ Workshop has become a yearly event in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2011, which prescribed continuous training and retraining of Desk Officers for optimal performance.

She said the Scheme has established FOIA Community Development Service groups in all its formations nationwide who engage in sensitizing members of the public on their rights under the Act.

“Recently, the FOIA CDS group in Ebonyi State was at the PRESCO High School, Abakaliki, where they sensitized the students on the FOI Act and the need to seek information from credible sources”.

“The Gombe State FOIA CDS group did same at the Government Day Secondary Secondary School, Army Barracks in Gombe and was also at the National Orientation Agency Gombe, to seek collaboration to facilitate a wider reach for their awareness campaign”, Adeyemi 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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