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Babatunde’s 37,000-Barber Empowerment Initiative Is Timely – Ighalo

Published

4 months ago

June 21, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Former Super Eagles striker and current Al-Wehda forward, Odion Ighalo, has described the empowerment initiative by Guinness World Record holder Joshua Aiyenuro Babatunde as timely and crucial for the upliftment of society.
Babatunde recently made history after completing a over 154-hour haircut marathon at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, setting a new Guinness World Record.

Following the feat, he launched an ambitious project to empower 37,000 barbers across Nigeria — targeting 1,000 youths in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking on Friday during Babatunde’s visit to his Abuja residence, Ighalo praised the young barber’s resilience and vision, calling the initiative a much-needed response to youth unemployment and social challenges.

Ighalo who has empowered over 250 boys from his Ajegunle neighborhood, helping the widows, take care of the vulnerable groups through his charity efforts. said: “Joshua’s initiative is timely and important. If more people take on community-focused projects like this, our streets will be safer, and fewer young people will turn to crime or suffer from poverty.”

“It won’t be easy, but with the determination you’ve already shown, I believe you can do it. I’ll support you in every way I can.”

In a heartfelt response, Babatunde expressed deep appreciation for Ighalo’s mentorship and support, recalling how their relationship began in 2018 during the Super Eagles’ World Cup preparations in Uyo.

“I had nothing when I was in Lagos. But when I moved to Abuja, everything changed,” Babatunde said. “I met Ighalo in Uyo, and he welcomed me. Since then, he has continued to show me kindness.”

He also reflected on his experience working at Ighalo’s orphanage in Lagos, which he described as life-changing and inspiring.

“When I received the call to come and meet him again, I canceled all other appointments. Seeing Ighalo is like seeing Jesus to me.

He’s been a blessing in my life, and I’m grateful for the platform he’s given me to shine,” Babatunde added.

With growing national recognition and support, Babatunde’s 37,000-barber empowerment initiative is fast becoming a symbol of hope and transformation for Nigerian youths across the country

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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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