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CDS Pledges Armed Forces Support To NNPC

Published

5 years ago

February 24, 2021

Joel Ajayi

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General Lucky Irabor has expressed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) towards supporting the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), in the protection of the Corporation’s critical national assets and operational personnel spread across the country against criminality within the oil sector.

The CDS gave this assurance today while playing host to the Group Managing Director (GMD), NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari who was on an official visit to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja.

The CDS noted that the AFN and NNPC have over the years had long standing engagements with respect to protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

Maj Gen Irabor added that the relationship of the two agencies of government would be advanced further with the visit of the GMD.

Highlighting the operational benefits of NNPC to the sustenance of the nation’s economy, the Defence chief disclosed that AFN under his leadership will cooperate fully with the NNPC management towards providing the necessary framework that will enable the military support NNPC to operate optimally.

The GMD, NNPC earlier in his remarks, reiterated that the NNPC would continue to seek the support and assistance of the AFN in order to protect its critical national assets and personnel across the country against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, economic sabotage, and other sundry crimes.

Mallam Kyari who congratulated the CDS and the Service Chiefs on their recent appointment, described the development as a turning point and new vista of opportunities for the NNPC and AFN.

He maintained that NNPC will further engage with the AFN in order to further enhance the security of critical national assets for the economic wellbeing of the country.

The meeting had in attendance, top NNPC Directors, the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Charles Oghomwen, Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Maj Gen Chikezie Ude and Chief of Defence Civil Military Cooperation, Rear Admiral Obed Ngalabak.

Also at the event were the Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, AVM James Gwani, and Chief of Training and Operations, Headquarters Nigerian Army, who was represented by Brig-Gen A Abubakar.

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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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