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Nigeria’s 2nd Peer Review, AUDA reform’ll boost economy, deepen democracy- AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Boss

Published

6 years ago

August 7, 2019

The ongoing efforts to conduct the second self-assessment exercise for the nation in specific socio-economic areas will boost socio-economic growth and further deepen democracy in the most populous state in Africa, says Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator, Chief executive, African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development/ African Peer Review Mechanism (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM) Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement signed on Wednesday in Abuja by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant to the NC/CEO, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria.

Akobundu made this known at the Focal Points Meeting of APRM Continental in Johannesburg, South Africa.

According to Akobundu, President Muhamadu Buhari’s approval for 2nd Peer Review of the Country, transformation of NEPAD to AUDA-NEPAD and inauguration of its National Governing Council (NGC) are geared towards putting the nation on the path of more significant growth.

“President Buhari approved that 2nd Peer Review should be conducted in Nigeria after 11 years, not only to join the three other nations that have done 2nd Peer Review but to make adequate use of the process in order to work on its outcome for greater development.

“That informed why AUDA-NEPAD/APRM NGC members were carefully selected so that they rightly guide the agency in carrying out the review and other mandates.

“Nigeria has inaugurated the council while other steps that will enable the agency to function optimally in the country are already on motion to ensure that the self- assessment phase of the process is transparent.

“Peer review is a voluntary exercise but the current leadership in Nigeria is determined to make it a culture for national growth and political stability.

“We are sure of generating useful data from our second peer review process, bearing in mind all the validating mechanism of the continental secretariat,” she said.

As Nigeria prepares for the launching of AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Reform in September, Akobundu urged other African Countries to embrace the process especially, those that were yet to do the first peer review.

Among other benefits, the Reform’s launching will enhance effective and efficient implementation of AUDA-NEPAD/APRM mandate , speedy economic growth and abundant job creation in the country.

“Africa will attain global and continental developmental goals if individual African Union (AU) nation embraces and comply with mandates of organisations like AUDA and APRM.

“Through APRM, AUDA and other AU organisations, Sustainable Developmental Goal (SDG) 2030 and AU 2063 which geared towards meeting benchmark of basic development of human and mineral resources in every nation,” she said.

The National Coordinator commended Nigeria’s Focal Point, which is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (S.G.F) in person of Mr. Boss Mustapha for his commitment to mandates of his position in the continental body.

She commended leadership of APRM Continental, led by Eddy Maloka for the support given to Nigeria and other nations that subscribed to its mandate.

APRM Focal Points meeting is part of APRM Continental activities, scheduled fot Aug. 4 -8 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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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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