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Commonwealth Lauds Nigeria’s Commitment to Youth Development Ahead of Africa Summit
Joel Ajayi
Ahead of the Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit for the African region slated to hold in Abuja from 7th to 11th May 2023, the Head of Social Policy of Commonwealth Secretariat Mr Layne Robinson, has commended the Nigerian Government for its continued commitment to youth development.
Mr Robinson who made the commendation during the pre-summit meeting held at the Nigerian Embassy in the United Kingdom on the sidelines on the Commonwealth Youth Network Leaders Summit, thanked Nigeria for offering to host the Commonwealth Youth Secretariat in Abuja as well as Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit for the African Region.
The pre-summit meeting which had in attendance members of the Summit taskforce and Youth network leaders from 54 Commonwealth countries aims to bring together Youth and students to amplify their voices and contribute meaningfully to Youth Development in the areas of entrepreneurship, education and digital divide.
The Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare said, Nigeria is ready to host the young people of the Commonwealth and, “Although the event is being hosted by the Nigerian Government, the ownership of the events belongs to the youth.”
He explained that “the thematic areas chosen by the youth task force are apt for this post covid era that has cast a shadow on decent jobs and wealth creation for young peope as we know it.”
The Minister, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Youth and ICT, Ann Kemi Areola, reassured the youth of Nigeria’s commitment to youth development in Africa and informed that Abuja looks forward to hosting them.
Mr Benjamin Fraser, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Students Association said, the Summit will provide a great opportunity for the youth and students in Africa to network and partner with youth and students organisations.
“This offer by the Government of Nigeria is huge and the Commonwealth Students Association are incredibly grateful. It is important to emphasize more on implementing the outcome of this Summit because the thematic areas which are; entrepreneurship, digital education, and decolonization of education curricular are very relevant to the yearnings of the youth and students in Africa.”
Also speaking, Christabel Derby, the Deputy Chairperson on Inclusion in the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) said, “the CYC appreciates the support to host its secretariat by the Nigerian Government at last year’s Commonwealth Youth Ministerial taskforce meeting held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Meanwhile, the Programme Manager and Youth Adviser of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Sushi Ram has, emphasised the need to ensure proper planning and strategy as he reiterated the need for the youth task force to commence necessary activities within strict timelines in order to achieve the desired objectives from the summit in the weeks to come.
The summit which will be hosted by the Nigerian Government in collaboration with the Commonwealth Youth Council, Commonwealth Students Association and Pan African Youth Union is expected to draw participants from the national youth and students organisations from 21 Commonwealth member countries in Africa.
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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support
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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