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AFN apooints Samuel Onikeku Technical Director
The Sports Secretary of Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku has been appointed the Technical Director of Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the Tonobok Okowa, the President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Samuel Onikeku was made the Technical Director after due consultation with AFN Board members and other stakeholders in Nigerian athletics family.
Okowa said will lead Nigeria athletes to the World Athletics Junior Championship this month in Kenya and his experience as a former National athlete is highly needed in the technical department.
The Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission said, “I congratulate Samuel Onikeku and urge him to bring his knowledge and expertise to bear on our athletics. I wish him success in the discharge of his duties”.
Reacting, the Ex International promised to bring his wealth of experience into the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
He called on all stakeholders in the Athletics family to rally round the Okowa led board adding that the welfare of the athletes will be his number priority.
Onikeku said, “This is a call to service from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria to me. I promise to work with all relevant stakeholders to see that Athletics returns to it’s rightful position in Africa and the world.
“Without the athletes and coaches, there cannot be a federation. That means the welfare of the athletes will be my major priority as Technical Director”, he added.
The Nigeria Youth Athletics Team are currently camped at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta state.
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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support
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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