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Athlete’ Adoption initiative: Tokyo bound Anyanacho Applauds Sports Minister, ACTDF others
Joel Ajayi
Tokyo bound Olympic Taekwondo Athlete Elizabeth Anyanacho has commended the “African Children Talent Discovery Foundation ACTDF over the step of organization to adopt her in the ongoing adoption of Athletes initiated by the ministry of youth and sport development in the country.
ACTDF is a United Nations Grade-C non-profit international organization with a mission to empowering the youth and the less privileged.
Elizabeth Ahanacho along with her counterpart Patience Akpan were adopted by the Foundation last week during an impressive ceremony at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in Abuja.
The Foundation led by Engineer Noah Dallaji decided to adopt Patience George in Athletics and Elizabeth Anyanacho In Taekwondo to the tune of $10,000 each to boost their Olympics preparations.
While reacting to her Adoption, Anyanacho expressed “First, I want to thank the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports and the Minister of Youths & Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, for driving this impactful “adopt an athlete” initiative.
“I sincerely extend this thanks to everyone who worked hard behind the scenes to make this possible, including our Olympic gold medalist, Ambassador Daniel Amokachi SA Sports to Mr. President; and our five-time Olympian and two-time Olympic Medalist, Ambassador Mary Onyali MFR, SA to the HM.
“Before I speak on today’s positive news, it is equally important to thank everyone who has supported me in my infantile career – my technical crew, family, friends, Nigerians from all walks of life whose critical donations helped my preparations recently and the media.
I also preemptively thank all those who will support me as my career progress.
“For the past six years, I have dreamt, not only of being on the Olympic podium, but to grow to become the best in my sport someday. This kind of dream requires adequate preparations which demands ample resources.
“So, for the past six years, so much hard work has gone into my journey and development. The journey has been exceedingly difficult and severally hampered by the lack of resources. So many opportunities were missed because we could not afford them.
“So, when an organization comes along and gives a push to my dream of many years, you can imagine how much it means to me.
“On this note, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the “African Children Talent Discovery Foundation” who signed up to the ‘adopt-an-athlete’ program, initiated by the Hon. Min. of Youth & Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, that made me a beneficiary today.
“Today, ACTDF’s investment in my Olympic dream can only serve to inspire so many young people like me to keep working hard to achieve their dreams, no matter where they come from. ACTDF’s investment is a clarion call and shining example to other organizations to support and invest in the dreams and aspirations of young persons like me.
“I want to say thank you to ACTDF for this affirmative action in fulfilling their mission, which clearly highlights the important work ACTDF does in empowering young people. Today’s affirmative action gives a boost to my resolve and confidence to m makes a positive result, not only at the Tokyo Olympics but in my unfolding career.”
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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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