Featured

African Club Championship: Victorious Gymnastic team arrived Abuja

Published

6 years ago

August 12, 2019

…As children appeal to Buhari to replace obsolete equipments

Joel Ajayi

Having done Nigeria proud at the just concluded 2019 edition of African Gymnastics Championship in South Africa, the victorious TIG gymnastic club of Abuja arrived Abuja on Sunday.

The 18 Gymnasts who competed at level 4 to the Olympic levels, won a total of 8 medals which comprised 2 gold, 2 silver and 4 four bronze.

It was a triumphant entry for the team as parents, guardian and all well meaning Nigerians besieged Namidi Azikwe International Airports to cheer the team on their Arrival.

Among those who received the team was former House of Representatives member, from Edo State Hon Ehiozuwa Agbonayonma and a popular music producer Popularly known as Makoyor Emeka Onusiriuka and the father of Stephanie who won gold medal at the event.

Speaking, was the leader of the delegation, coach Anthony Asuquo expressed gratitude to God and all Nigerians for their prayers and support toward the succes of the programme.

According to him, this is the first time we are not coming out with a negative story from South Africa, we have gone there to do our country proud, I am overwhelmed with the crowd here.

“We went to south Africa with 18 children to represent Nigeria in the Africa Gymnastic Club Championship, a competition for the athletes from level 4 to the Olympics level.

“So, what we are trying to do in Africa is for us to be able to get an African gymnasts to represent Africa at Olympic and today we have Nigerian young athletes with gold, silver and bronze medals.

“We able to go there and compete, it wasn’t an easy task because we left Nigeria very late, we couldn’t get our visa on time after we struggled to secure visa, we couldn’t get direct flight, we have to go to Lagos for us to make the trip.

“I Want to say thank you to the parents, because the government hasn’t done anything for the children as you can see, these are children that have made Nigeria proud what do you have to do for them?

Why I called on the President is that with all the campaign they made, nobody has ever made a promise for the children and these kids are just young, what does government have for them because, if parents are not supporting them, nobody will discover these talents, what is Government is doing? We know President listen to Nigerians’ demand so the children have spoken, he should listen to them.”

Meanwhile, the elated medalists urged the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to come to their rescue by building modern gymnastic hall and equipments to enable the children train well in anticipation to win more medals for the country.

A gold medallist, Stephanie Onusiriuka said: “I want Nigeria to grow more and I want President Muhammad Buhari to build a modern gymnastic center and new equipment for children to enjoy because the ones that we have is injuring us.” She appealed.

As for Akachi Umeh who won Silver medal expressed: “I feel very proud of myself right now.

“Well, I would want the President to buy a new equipment because some of our equipment are very old. I hope to do better by listening to my coach and improve more in my skills, I know that one day I will represent Nigeria at Olympic level.”

On his own, Elliot Asuquo whose level was taken before they arrived South Africa said “I want to compete to win a gold medal for Nigeria.”

Share on Facebook

Featured

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.

Share on Facebook