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AUDA-NEPAD Boss Dedicates Award To Less Privileged

Published

6 years ago

October 20, 2019

Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator/ Chief Executive Officer , African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development /African Peer Review Mechanism ( AUDA-NEPAD/APRM),Nigeria has dedicated award of Outstanding Public Service being given to her to the less privileged people in the society.

Akobundu made the dedication in her reaction to the honour being bestowed on her on Sunday during the 2019 Imo/Abia Day Celebration of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Maitama, Abuja.

According to the National Coordinator and illustrious daughter of Ibeme-Ugiri Constituency, Isiala- Mbano LGA, Imo state, welfare of less privileged is very dear to her.

“For me, God first, the people second. My ministry, my life has been humanity. Whatever makes grassroots people happy, makes me happy.

“As a Princess from a well pronounced community,I’m a grassroots woman, I belong to the people, I know what it is to be down there.

So, I live with the grassroots people and I dedicate the award to them.

“I believe someday, someone from there will be the president of this country, ” she said.

Akobundu urged those in better position to always show some kindness to the less privileged so that they too could be able to live a better life.

She commended St. Dominic (Imo-Abia) Catholic Community and the entire parishioners of Holy Trinity, Maitama for considering her worthy of the honour.

In her remark, Dame Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs, also an awardee described Akobundu as a supporter of the masses and a patriot.

Similarly, Rev. Sister Sally William- Chidubem, who accompanied Akobundu to the event said “it’s a spiritual work, as long as it is a spiritual work, I am happy with it.

We have to continue to encourage spiritual work”.

Princess Akobundu was also accompanied by some staff of the agency and other well wishers including Mr. Emmanuel Abang, a Special Adviser to Akobundu and other aides.

Under the stewardship of Akobundu, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria among other achievements, recently organised high-level side line event at the 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York, U.S where President Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders told the world to reject Illicit Financial Flows especially from Africa.

During the UNGA event jointly organised by AUDA-NEPAD/APRM and EFCC Nigeria, President Buhari told the world that over 157 billion dollars had been illicitly taken out of Nigeria to other continents between 2003 and 2012, calling for repatriation of such funds so that Nigeria could meet up with 2030 target on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The theme of the high-level side line event was ‘Promotion of International Cooperation to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Strengthen Good Practices on Assets Recovery and Return to foster Sustainable Development ‘.

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

Published

1 week 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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