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Hit the Ground Running, SGF Tasks AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Governing Council

Published

6 years ago

July 31, 2019

Joel Ajayi

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha has tasked the newly inaugurated National Governing Council of African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development/ African Peer Review Mechanism (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM) to hit the running especially on its core mandates.

This was in a statement signed on Tuesday by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant to Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator/C.E.O, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria.

Mustapha, represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Habiba Lawal, Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office made this known on Tuesday during the inauguration of the 15-Man council at the SGF’s Conference Room on Tuesday.

According to the SGF, the council should ensure that transformation of AUDA-NEPAD is fully completed while the second peer review of the nation is also successfully conducted.

“I implore your council to hit the ground running, in collaboration with the secretariat, to put all necessary machinery in motion to conduct the country’s 2nd Peer Review Self-Assessment and Country Report in process.

“Your council is expected to build a strong synergy with National Planning Commission, National Bureau of Statistics, Budget Office and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies and the political class for proper integration and acceptance of APRM policies, knowledge and process nationwide in adherence to the principle of broad-based participation.

“Also, you are to fast track the process of transformation of NEPAD to AUDA-NEPAD/APRM by collaborating with the Ministry of Justice and the National Assembly to pass the necessary enabling law,” he said

The Federal Government added that NGC must ensure that all the concerns outlined in the self-assessment report were addressed in the final document.

“They should meet all the criteria identified in the guidelines towards the integration of all national emerging issues to develop a robust National Plan of Action (NPoA) for a comprehensive National Development Programme (NDP),” Mustapha said.

He however reiterated that NGC’s mandate did not involve interference in the technicalities of the day-to-day running of the secretariat, AUDA-NEPAD.

The SGF said the clarification became necessary in order not to divert attention from the APRM process, which must be technically competent, credible and free of political manipulation.

The SGF assured the council that the Management of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, under Princess Gloria Akobundu, Secretary of the NGC was committed to the success of the councils objectives.

In his response, Senator Abba Ali, |Chairman of the newly Council urged other members to work on the existing mercenary of the agency saying it was capable of delivering desired objectives of his team.

According to the Council’s Chairman, the council will work harmoniously to deliver on its mandate, giving the pedigree of the members.

“I appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for his unreserved commitment towards ensuring that Nigeria maintains its leadership among African Nations.

“His approval for the domestication of AUDA-NEPAD mandate in the country and conduct of second Peer Review in Nigeria attest to his commitment to ensure that Nigeria remains at the forefront of development in the continent.

“ By the special grace of God, the council will work harmoniously to deliver the assigned mandates trusting the integrity, credible track records and core areas of competence of the members,” he said.

On behalf of the entire governing council, the Chairman expressed appreciation to the president, the SGF and the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM, Princess Gloria Akobundu for their tremendous efforts towards the actualisation of the two major mandates of the Council.

The AUDA-NEPAD/ APRM Nigeria’s C.E.O expressed appreciation of her management and staff to the inauguration of the council.

” The appointment of the NGC by Mr. President’ is to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the AUDA-NEPAD mandate , the 2nd review and the flagship programmes.

They include: Reform and Domestication of AUDA-NEAD;

2nd Country assessment/process/review; Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)/Monitoring and evaluation.

” Also, realisation of AU Agenda 2063; Giving early warning on election and violence/Voters education; Harnessing skills/ entrepreneurship and strengthening public-private Partnership, among others”.

The NGC members are:

NAMES POSITION

1.Sen. Abba Ali – Chairman

2.AMB. Haliru Sodangi – Member

3.DR. Bala Zakari -Member

4.Mr. Dozie Madu -Member

5.Chief Barnabas Chimezie Njoku – Member

6.Chom Bagu -Member

7.Mrs. Tawakalitu Olayemi Yusuf -Member

8.Dr. Ugo Beke – Member

9.Hon. (Barr.) Thomas Okasun – Member

10.Comrade Ayuba Wabba – Member

11.Mrs. Halima Kiyari Joda – Member

12. Dr. Louis Mandema – Member

13.MR. Kola Adesina – Member

14.Mrs. Okieimen Funke Iyabo – Member

15.Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu – Secretary.

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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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