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CAN Commiserates With Sri Lankan Government, Families

Published

6 years ago

April 23, 2019

The Gleamer

CAN Commiserates With Sri Lankan Government, Families

…Tasks UN to End Menace of Terrorism

Caleb Ayansina

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) commiserates with the government and people of Sri Lanka where no fewer than 300 persons, including children and foreigners were killed and over 405 sustained multiple injuries as a result of terrorist bombing of churches during Easter Sunday services.

In a statement issued by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant (Media & Communications to the CAN President, His Eminence, Rev Dr Samson ‘Supo Ayokunle in Abuja on Tuesday said in this moment of colossal national mourning, CAN, with a heavy heart, stands with the government and people of Sri Lanka.

According to the release, Though Sri Lankan officials reportedly said they believed that the local Islamist extremist group, National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ), was behind the attacks, ISIS has already claimed responsibility for the dastardly attacks according to media reports. ISIS has gained global notoriety as a terrorist group that derives joy in barbaric persecution of Christians and launching of deadly attacks against them.

“The same weekend here in Nigeria, no fewer than 11 were reportedly killed in Benue State during the Easter celebrations. According to reports, no fewer than 20 others died and some 35 others also sustained injuries in other Easter attacks on Christians in Adamawa and Gombe States.

“It is a tragic irony that these dastardly acts took place while we were celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ who died for the sin of the world, including those terrorists.

“Our hearts are with the families that are affected and we pray for all those who are recuperating in the hospitals and medical facilities for quick recovery. Ultimately, we call on the Lord to console and comfort all the bereaved.

“Christians are increasingly becoming endangered species all over the world. No fewer than 200 innocent women, including a teenage student, Leah Sharibu, have been kidnapped by the Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria; sadly, the government appears powerless in rescuing them and protecting the lives of Nigerians.”

The statement added: “This Sri Lanka attacks came while the whole world has not yet recovered from the shock of the disastrous fire which ravaged one of France’s most iconic sites, Notre-Dame Cathedral, though the incident was not linked to terror attack.

“We call on the United Nations and other global organisations to come to the aid of all the victims in Sri Lanka, France, Nigeria and other countries of the world suffering from similar fate. We urge the UN to take a more aggressive lead in championing a global campaign to stop all forms of terror attacks, not just against Christians, Churches and other worship places around the world, but it should also improve on its provision of relief supports to the victims of terrorism promptly. The situation requires immediate action in order not to get out of hand.

“We are, however, comforted by the fact that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will restore peace to the world, even if the human system fails (as it has always failed) to provide us peace and protection whether the devil likes it or not. Amen.

“We equally urge our beloved Sri Lanka brethren, Christians in Nigeria and around the world not to lose faith in God; let us all remain resolute on our faith and confidence in God through Jesus Christ bearing in mind that, the resurrected Christ for whom we pay such costly sacrifices remains our eternal saviour, help, hope, comforter and rewarder.”

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

Published

5 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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