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Africa has benefitted a lot under FOCAC says Nigerian envoy

Published

4 years ago

October 16, 2021

By John Okeke

The Consul General , Consulate General of Nigeria in Shaghai , His Excellency . Chimezie Okeoma Ogu has affirmed that the African continent has benefitted a lot under Forum on China-African Cooperation (FOCAC).

The envoy who spoke at Jiangsu-Africa Cooperation Conference and China Africa local Government Cooperation Forum held on 12th October, 2021, Nantong with this year theme: Unity and Cooperation, Seeks Common Development and Work Together to Build a Closer China-Africa Community with a Shared Future” said Africa is a reliable friend and partner of China.

“The Government and the People of China have done very well within the platform of FOCAC. The cooperation between both sides have witnessed tremendous cooperation, building of unity and understanding between both sides.

“Africa as a continent has benefited a lot within mechanism of FOCAC and lots of goodwill in the area of infrastructure development from the Chinese side,” he said.

The envoy who said Africa appreciates China, however, noted that there are gaps that need to be closed by both sides.

He said ,” as I especially invite the Government of Jiangsu Province and businessmen to increase their presence by investing more in African contenient in the win-win cooperation. The need to close this gap calls for both sides to increase our mutual interaction in the area of business investment.

“Both sides need to develop a strong bond and also a network of honest and sincere communication in our bilateral engagements both in the public and private sector to achieve our common goals.

“Honesty and sincerity are an essential ingredient in the growth and progress of friendly countries with shared values, visions and expectations,” he said.

According to the , Consul General, China needs to carry Africa as an abiding trusted alley in all its bilateral and multilateral engagements, adding ” In as much as Africa needs China in its quest for development, China also needs Africa’s support in the area of global politics with the United Nations.”

He said,” very importantly, China needs to unite with Africa and carry her in its multi-lateral aspirations in world polities. It can only realize this, by assuring Africa of its sincerity to assist the continent by providing the best of modern infrastructure needs and demands of our people.”

“In this way, a better perception, understanding and knowledge of the true spirit of Chinese fraternity with Africa will be understood in the context of our continental framework of FOCAC,” the envoy added.

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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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