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Kwara state governor declares 6th edition of NYG open

Published

4 years ago

October 16, 2021

Joel AjayiThe Governor of Kwara state AbuulRahman AbdulRazak was on Friday evening declared 2021 edition of National Youth Games open in Ilorin the state capital.

Governor who was represented by the state Deputy Governor Chief Kayode Alabi urged athletes to play by the rules of the game.
He expressed that the state is very much happy to host the athletes across the country.

In his addressed the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, said the the Games has consistently served as an effective platform for talent identification and development for young athletes in the country aged 15 and below to achieve excellence in sports.

Dare who was represented at the opening ceremony by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, stated that this year’s edition of the Games is unique ”as it is intended to produce formidable athletes that will represent Nigeria at the African Youth Games in Ethiopia in 2022 and the next Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

He noted that, “as a Nation, we will tap into the euphoria and excitements of the NYG to produce the best that will represent and do us proud.

Mr Dare stated further that, the Ministry’s strategic plan to reposition sports at the grassroots level and to facilitate the discovery of budding talents in the country is being realized.

” I am glad to inform you that through the organization of the annual Youth Games , the Ministry is actively achieving its mandate of creating a pool of potential athletes that can continuously represent the country at international Youth competitions”, he said .

While assuring of the quality of athletes for the Games that are capable of doing the country proud anytime, anywhere ; the Minister urged all concerned National Sports Federations to take advantage of these Games to gauge their sports developmental objectives as well as further develop the identified talents to the benefit of the country.

Dare who thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for granting approval for the hosting of the games, assured that the present Administration is not only committed to the development of sports in the country but also in the utilisation of youth potentials to enhance socio-economic growth for the betterment of all Nigerians.
In his own remarks, the Permanent Secretary , Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar thanked all the participating state governments for their support.

He called on them to invest more in grassroots sports development.
However, thirty -five states including the FCT, Abuja are featuring in this year’s National Youth Games.

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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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