Featured

Abuja Carnival: FCT Minister Wants Inclusion Of Fish Festival

Published

6 years ago

November 5, 2019

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has advocated the inclusion of a fishing festival in the activities of subsequent Abuja Carnivals while pledging that the FCT Administration will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Information to ensure that the 2019 edition is the best ever.

The Minister said the inclusion would add value to the carnival, explaining that, “The FCT as you know is home to very large water bodies where, historically, in one of the areas, a fishing festival is held. So if we are able to plan for the 2020 or maybe even 2021 to incorporate a fishing festival, I think that will help”.

Malam Bello who stated this when the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed led a team from his Ministry on a courtesy visit to the FCTA, also commended his Information counterpart for the revival of the Abuja Carnival and restoring it to its past glory.

He described the new strategy to take the carnival to all parts of the FCT and not limit it to the Federal Capital City (FCC) as a welcome development that will not only boost social and economic activities in the areas but also showcase the unity of the country.

In his words: “We are excited because any venue where an event will hold will automatically create social and economic activities that will make the people active and will enable the movement of resources and upgrading of facilities. I think this will be the ultimate benefit apart from, of course, being a carnival meant to showcase and cement our unity as a country”.

While directing that the FCTA component of the collaboration will be supervised by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Malam Bello also told his guests to avail the FCTA of the private partners for the Abuja Carnival project so that an arrangement could be worked out that would be mutually beneficial to all parties involved.

Earlier, Alhaji Lai Mohammed had solicited the support of the FCT Administration for the successful hosting of the 2019 Abuja Carnival.

He expressed the hope that with FCTA’s support, the 2019 Abuja Carnival, with the theme: “Culture for Peace” will involve all the Area Councils of the FCT.

The Information Minister who listed key areas for support, explained that the purpose for opening up the carnival to Area Councils as against what obtained previously was to let as many people as possible feel the impact of the carnival and also participate in it.

He revealed that the carnival will include a Command Performance which will take place at the Presidential Villa, contemporary music performances at the Old Parade Ground, Boat regatta at the Jabi Lake, Durbar at Kuje Area Council, masquerade festival at Gwagwalada, and Children’s fiesta at GDSS Area 10, Garki.

Also speaking at the event, the FCT Minister of state, Dr. Ramatu, Tijjani Aliyu assured that the FCTA would work with all stakeholders to ensure a memorable carnival.

The Carnival will hold from the 23rd to 25th of November, 2019.

Share on Facebook

Featured

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.

Share on Facebook