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CAC President Azzam Arrives Abuja For Maiden edition Cycling’s Africa Cup of Nations

Published

6 years ago

July 25, 2019

…8 countries Set to rumble in maiden Cycling Track tourney

Mohammed Wagih Azzam, President of Confederation of African Cycling has lauded Nigeria for finally putting the Velodrome Complex to use after 16 years of inactivity.

History will be made today as the state-of -the -art cycling arena located inside the Moshood Abiola Stadium will for the first time since its construction 16 years ago, play host to the maiden Africa Track Cycling Championship, aka Africa Cup.

An excited Azzam said that with the facility, track Cycling has come stay, as he urged Nigeria to take full advantage of the arena and join the global track Cycling bug.

The Egyptian said Nigeria has the men and women that can launch her on the global arena, noting that natural strength of the African will always come handy.

He also commended Engr. Giadomenico Massari, President of Cycling Federation of Nigeria , CAC members Dr Emmanuel Igbinosa and Coach Mohammed Bashiru for their contributions.
Meanwhile, the cycling arena has come to life with the arrival of eight Africa countries for the maiden Africa Cup, which also serves as preparation for the forthcoming All Africa Games.

Host Nigeria has since been joined by Egypt, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Ghana and Burundi. Already the teams have been putting acts together as they familiarize them with facilities in Velodrome.

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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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