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Women Affairs Visits DHQ, Hails Nigerian Military For Launching Gender Policy

Published

4 years ago

July 27, 2021

Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, has hailed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, for launching the Armed Force of Nigeria Gender Policy (AFNGP).

In a statement signed by the Deputy Director Defence InformationDefence Headquarters Air Commodore WAP MAIGIDAThe Minister gave the commendation today 27 July 2021, during her visit to the CDS, at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja.

According to Dame Pauline, “we want to celebrate and thank you (CDS) for launching the gender policy for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), which has encouraged other security agencies and paramilitary to emulate this modest achievement on gender equality.”

The Minister also appreciated the leadership of the AFN for supporting the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution I325 which is the national action plan on women, peace and security.

She disclosed that her ministry in collaboration with AFN and security agencies is championing the course of women in peace and security in order to establish better networking within the defence and security sectors, as well as the civil society.

The Minister further lauded the efforts of the DHQ Gender Advisor for bringing all the gender desk officers in the AFN and security sectors under one umbrella body. She extolled the DHQ for championing the issue of gender base violence in the military barracks in order to create awareness among the youths and women.

The CDS, Gen Lucky Irabor, in his response, stated that the gender based initiatives of the AFN remains a reference and principle focal point for the commissioning and enlistment of women into the Services.

The CDS disclosed that the DHQ recently established the Directorate of Gender to further project gender based policies. He expressed commitment of the DHQ towards partnering with the Ministry of Women Affairs in co-hosting the 2021 Security Sector Gender Reference Group Conference.

Gen Irabor who acknowledged the role of women in nation building, stated that they should be seen at the forefront and more visible while given the central stage to showcase themselves. “Women remain the mothers of not just the nation but of humanity,” the CDS added.

The Minister was accompanied by the UN Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms Comfort Lamptey and the Country Director ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs Ene Obi.

Highlight of the occasion, was the conferment of HEforShe award on the CDS, Gen Irabor.

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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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