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AfriTEX calls for policy framework on smart cities

Published

4 years ago

October 16, 2021

The Africa Information Technology Exhibition and Empowerment Initiative (AfriTEX), an NGO, has called for a policy framework that would drive an initiative towards the country becoming a smart city and digital economy.

Mr Oyesola Oworu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AfriTEX disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

Oworu said the organisation is set to hold a summit from Nov. 2 to Nov. 4, a stakeholders’ forum that would focus on how to integrate technology into how the cities function and as well provide solutions on how city develops.

According to him, stakeholders from private and public sectors as well as professional bodies would deliberate on proffering a policy framework that would become an act of government to transit to smart cities.

“Technology is changing the ways cities and economies evolve, helping to respond to challenges of rapid urbanisation and pressure that is exercised on infrastructure. AfriTEX is committed to working with stakeholders to promoting digital economy for Nigeria and Africa at large.

“The forum is expected to identify substantial opportunities to build inclusive sustainable smart economies through leadership and collaboration to maximise the interoperability of new technologies across different industries.

“This mega forum will be an innovative platform in promoting smart cities development and digital economy that are in sync with the latest innovations and to understand the potential of implementing cutting-edge smart, safe, secure and sustainable digital economy,” he said.

Oworu, therefore, called on the government to join the rest of the world to key into smart solutions to tackle the insecurity of the country and have better surveillance system for the country.

Meanwhile, Mr Miebaka Adoki, Chairman of AfriTEX, said there was need to have a smart government who would put together documentations that would guide the development of a smart city.

Adoki said that the idea of having a smart city by a nation was to use technology to make the life of the citizens easier.

He urged the country to take a cue from China whose entire economy was driven by technology saying that as of today, China was the smartest nation in the entire world.
According to him, 10 things make a city smart and among these are the functionality of the building, policy of government, environmental factors and the Internet of Things, among others.

“How prepared is Nigeria to enter the era of smart solutions? No nation will wait for Nigeria because the smart solutions has come to stay.

“ Cities all over the world is emerging to becoming smart and nobody will wait for Nigeria. We cannot in anyway avoid this because it is for the uplift and development of human.

“ We need to catch up with the rest of the world and be in tune with what is happening around the globe.

“ So, as a country, we need to come together to provide a policy framework that will lead to a policy direction for the country to have smart cities, “he said.

(NAN)

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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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