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AUDA-NEPAD Boss Calls For Global Strategies Against Illicit Financial Flows

Published

6 years ago

September 27, 2019

Joel Ajayi

The National Coordinator, Chief executive Officer, African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development/African Peer Review Mechanism (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM), Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu, has called on world leaders to consider Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) as common problem and come up with strategies that can stem the vices.

This contained in a statement signed by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant to NC/C.E.O, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM in Abuja, Nigeria.

Akobundu made the call while addressing high-level delegates at a side-line event of the 74th United Nations General Assembly on Thursday in New York.

The side-line event’ was titled : Promotion of International Cooperation to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Strengthen Good Practices on Assets Recovery and return to sustainable Development’

It was co-hosted by Governments of Nigeria, Norway, Ethiopia, Zambia and South Africa while organised by AUDA-NEPAD/APRM in Collaboration with Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Nigeria.

According to the National Coordinator, global contribution of strategies will eradicate IFF, enhance attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure return of stolen assets.

“Illicit financial flows distorts development in Africa, the illicit movement of funds in and out of Africa, affects the delivery of public goods, financing of poverty-reducing programmes, and infrastructural development.

“The illegal exploitation of Africa’s natural resources leads to deprivations that impoverish local communities, activities of anti-development must stop.

“A natural progression from the discussions around Illicit Financial Flows is needed

In order to have globalstrategies in combating the canker worm and

Strengthen good practices on asset recovery.

“It will also help repatriation of the Illicit proceeds to the country of origin for sustainable economic development,” she said.

While reiterating Nigeria’s contribution to stem IFFs at the global event, Akobundu urged host nations of illicit funds to own up and do the needful.

“Between 2003 and 2012, Nigeria lost about $158 billion to illicit financial flows,

“The Nigerian Government has made significant progress in tracking down illicit funds movement from Nigeria.

“However, in some cases, these assets are stocked in foreign accounts and become a safe havens.

“Countries supporting the Illicit assets must therefore, step out from behind the

laws and acknowledge that they provide safeguard for proceeds of grand corruption.”

Akobundu commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership role in the fight against corruption, not only in the Africa’s most populous nation, but in the continent through his support to AUDA-NEPAD and other continental agencies of development.

“Let me particularly thank Africa’s Anti- Corruption Champion, President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership and commitment to end corruption in Nigeria and Africa at Large.

“His Excellency has taken particular interest in the work of AUDA as it aligns with his triple focus, growing the economy; fighting corruption and; restoring security,” she said.

The C.E.O appreciated President Buhari and other presidents that attended and supported the event and called for sufficient support to AUDA-NEPAD by African nations.

AUDA-NEPAD’s core priority agenda for the Next Level will address the triple issues of Economic Development, Corruption and Insecurity in our Continent.

“The Modernization of the rural Communities through the following areas, among others: Community based development /intervention programmes Goals (1&11); Aggressive/massive capacity building for Youths and Women (Goals 4&5).

Also, Promoting entrepreneurship through Public/Private Partnership for job and wealth creation (Goal 8).”

Other Presidents at the event include: President Edgar Lungu of Zambia and President Sahlework Zewede of Ethiopia, while President of 74th UNGA, Prof. Tijani Muhammed-Bande and Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chairperson, Panel of Eminent Persons,,APRM, were parts of the high-level delegates.

They were part of the speakers and panelists at the IFFs event, a precursor to the main deliberation that will be later held at the 74th UNGA.

They sued for effective capacity building, massive advocacy, effective legal framework and strengthening the relevant institution for curbing IFFs globally.

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

Published

7 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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