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Olawande Kickstarts youth engagement, harps on skill development

Published

2 years ago

January 21, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande has emphasized the need for Nigerian youths to prioritize skill acquisition, especially in areas that are relevant to the demands of the 21st century labour market.

The Minister, who made the call during a youth engagement visit to Borno State, said the youths can only contribute to the development of the country when they possess skills that enhance their productivity as citizens.

Olawande who also paid a courtesy visit on the state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum on his arrival, disclosed that he was in the state to interact with youths on the plans of the Ministry so as to solicit their inputs.

During the interaction that lasted for over three hours, with youths, drawn from diverse youth and student organizations in the state, including young entrepreneurs, farmers, and those from the informal sectors, the Minister said, “I believe that we can not sit back in Abuja and assume that we know what you want. Yes, we have our own plans and programs, but we also want to listen to your demands based on your peculiar experiences and local realities. This would help us to target our interventions to address specific challenges you may have.”
In response to the plans presented by the Minister, the youths offered suggestions on the implementation modalities as well as new ideas for consideration.

Prior to his arrival at the youth engagement session, the Minister had earlier visited one of the Internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in the state to solidarize with inhabitants where he donated about one thousand, five hundred school bags, lunch packs and some other items to youths in the camp on behalf of the federal government.

He also paid a ‘thank you’ visit to the young soldiers in the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai, where he extended the appreciation of the government to the soldiers for their sacrifices. He also visited some injured soldiers at the military hospital in Maimalari barracks, headquarters of 7 Division of Nigerian Army, where he prayed for the recuperating soldiers.

The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General G.U Chibuisi appreciated the Minister for identifying with them at the command, saying the Minister’s visit would boost the morale of the troop. He disclosed that the security situation is improving every day in Maiduguri as a result of the ongoing operation to counter terrorism in the state.

The Minister was also at the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) orientation camp in Maiduguri where he encouraged Corp Members to think positively and follow what is right rather than following what is trending so that at the end of their service they will be productive to themselves and the country at large.

He further admonished them against crime and violence while encouraging them to engage themselves in innovative skills and ideas that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.

He promised that the condition of NYSC orientation camps would be improved.
Earlier in his address, the chapter chairman Borno state National Youth Council of Nigeria, comrade kaka Lawan Bundi eulogised the minister for coming and called on the Ministry of youth to support the youth to access funds in the form of loans to boost their businesses. “This will be useful for ensuring sustainable businesses” He said.

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

Published

7 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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