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Africa Track Cup: 5 Kaduna cyclists invited to national camp

Published

6 years ago

April 16, 2019

Africa Track Cup: 5 Kaduna cyclists invited to national camp

Five cyclist from Kaduna State Cycling team have been invited to the national camp ahead of Africa Track Cup Cycling Championships in Abuja, the state’s Head Coach, Samaila Usman, said on Monday in Kaduna.

The competition is scheduled for July 26 to July 29, in Abuja.

“’The cyclists are expected to resume camping on April 28 in Abuja.

“The camp is expected to last for three weeks before the commencement of the championship in Abuja.

“The cyclists are Abdullahi Usman, Isa Momoh, Jacob Ishaku, Comfort Ayuba, and Grace Ayuba,” Usman said on Monday in Kaduna.

He described the competition as a good thing for the country being the first time Nigeria was going to host it.

“I am happy that Nigeria is going to host the competition and that my cyclists will be participating.

“’This is because it is the first time the country will host a track competition since the construction of the velodrome in 2003 during the All Africa Games staged by Nigeria in Abuja.

According to him, three cyclists from the state were also ranked as best cyclists by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN).

He expressed delight at the cyclists’ performance that led to their invitation, adding that it would go a long way to increase their skills in the sport.

“I am happy with their invitation for the competition because it will help to develop their skills

With this development, we are going to work hard to make sure we introduce cycling in primary and secondary schools in the state to improve the sport

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 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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