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Allowance Controversy: FG Commends Athletes Attitude,Charges Them To Remain Focus.

Published

6 years ago

August 24, 2019

The Nigerian government has commended Nigerian athletes at the on-going African games in Rabat, Morocco
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports,Mr Olusade Adesola who spoke in Abuja to exclusivenessnews.com.ng said that the complaints by some few have been appropriately addressed.

The Ministry said that the $100 daily allowance being paid to the athletes is based on the amount provided in the Budget of the AG.

‘I can understand how the athletes feel but it is a circumstance beyond our control because we are working based on the allocation of resources for the African Games. As it was in 2018 Gold Coast CWG, the Ministry is committed to operate within its budget and to pay what has been approved rather than making promises that might be impossible to fulfill. Besides, the rate of payment of the daily allowances and other entitlements has availed the Federations before departure for the games. The Ministry wondered why this suddenly became an issue upon arrival at Morocco

It is believed that the attempt to smear the image of the Ministry is by few terminal athletes and those who knew they would not achieve podium performance in order to discourage the patriotic ones and frustrate their promising careers. The athletes are reminded that 17 Sports in the Games have the AG as their qualifier to the 2020 Olympics.

The Ministry enjoins the patriotic athletes to remain committed to their course, remembering their commitment to venture into building their “cathedrals”.

In the meantime, the Honourable Minister has engaged via video link with a section of the athletes and charged them to be good ambassadors of the Country.

Nigeria went to the games with a small contingent compared to the size of athletes at Congo Brazzaville.

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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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