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President Buhari Grants 65 Ex Corps Members Automatic Employment

Published

2 years ago

May 19, 2023

Joel Ajayi

President Muhammadu Buhari has granted automatic employment to 65 former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the Federal Civil Service
⁣The President who made the pronouncement on Thursday at the President’s NYSC Homours Award Ceremony held at the State House Conference Centre stated that, of the 65 recipients, 52 received the Presidential Honours Awards, while the remaining 13 were physically challenged ex-Corps Members, recognised under the NYSC Hope Alive Programme.

⁣President Buhari in addition awarded them scholarships to pursue their education up to the Doctorate Degree Level at any University of their choice within the country.⁣⁣

⁣He further announced a cash prize of N250,000 for each of the top award winners and N200,000 for other award recipients, including the physically challenged ex-Corps members.

The President who directed the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission and the Minister of Education to ensure adherence to the employment offer and the granting of scholarship also paid glowing tribute to the founding father of the Scheme, General (Dr.) Yakubu Gowon, who not only envisioned the idea of the Corps, but equally brought it to fruition on 22nd May, 1973.

According to him, the Scheme has justified the reason for its establishment as an interventionist agency, with the core mandate to build bridges of national unity, across the length and breadth of the country, thereby pulling down walls of ethnic suspicions and divisions
He commended the Corps Members for their indelible roles in ensuring unity and stability in the country, especially the role they played in the 2023 recently concluded General Elections.

It is very appropriate to also add, the President said “that we cannot achieve any meaningful development in the face of needless and avoidable crises, with the youth as the purveyors, when they hold a higher stake in Nigeria more than the older adults. Youth, the future belongs to you. Therefore, it behoves you to protect your future by safeguarding Nigeria, in words and deeds.

My dear patriotic youth it is worthwhile to counsel that you do not yield to the centrifugal forces, acting either covertly or overtly, to undermine the country structurally, politically and economically. Doing otherwise is akin to fuelling the truncation of your future”, he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment towards the promotion of Youth related activities for a better Nigeria, especially his approval of the N75bn Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES), National Young Farmers Scheme (NYFS) as well as other supportive ventures aimed at empowering the youth of our country.

While congratulating the awardees, he called on other Corps members to key into the opportunities provided through various government initiatives to develop themselves for self reliance as well as contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week 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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