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Covid-19: Strategic PPP Will Mitigate Economic Effect—-AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Boss

Published

5 years ago

April 23, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The country can mitigate economic impact of global pandemic through strategic Public Private Partnership (PPP), says Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator, African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development/ African Peer Review mechanism (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM) Nigeria.

Akobundu said while featuring as a Guest Speaker on a virtual conference with the topic `Leveraging COVID-19 disruptions for economic growth in Africa’, organised by Pristine Ecologistics Cloud-based conferencing platform.

This was contained in a statement signed by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant to the National Coordinator on Thursday in Abuja

According to the Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM, despite lockdown as a result of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), how to overcome the virus and cushion its effect should not be lost on the nation.

“There is need for bottom-top approach in strategic partnership, focusing on grassroots challenges if lasting solutions will be found to COVID-19 and other national challenges.

“If agricultural sector receives more partnership support in areas of production, processing and packaging of farm outputs, large ratio of unemployed population can be gainfully engaged while agric. wastages can become income.

“Self-sufficiency in food production is a success for a nation of over 200 million population, but the nation cannot afford to rest on its oars,” she said.

The Agency Boss said adequate partnership in primary health subsector would not only lead to standard healthcare system, it would also help to upgrade indigenous therapy.

“Without compromising standard, there is need to pay more attention to our plants and animals in the search for COVID-19 antidote due to our rich varieties of plants and animals,” she said.

Akobundu gave reasons for deliberate PPP in the area of skills acquisition programmes and education.

“There is need for strategic partnership with policy backing in the area of Skills acquisition programmes so that members of the public can be trained in their areas of interest which usually increase innovations.

“Provision of more technology hubs with basic ammenities will also be another means of channelling our youths’ energies towards National development which leads to global prominence.

“While searching for lasting solution to COVID-19 pandemic, use of technology need to be highly considered to sustain learning at all levels,” she said.

The Agency Boss added that due to importance of power to the nation, abundant resources in every location should be considered in order to solve the problem.

Akobundu said, given the abundance of resources, recent prediction of World Bank that Africa would experience between -2.5% to -5.1% recession at the end of COVID-19 pandemic should not be experienced by Nigeria.

The National Coordinator commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council over the death of late Mallam Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to the President..

Akobundu described Abba Kyari as a leader par excellence, praying for the fortitude to bear the loss by his family and the entire nation.

AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Boss featured along with Ambassador Jerome Ringo, Goodwill Ambassador, Pan- African Parliament and founder, Zoetic Energy from U.S.

The Moderator, Dr Paul Abolo, on behalf of the organisers, commended the speakers for doing justice to the topic and proffering insightful ideas on how the continent could navigate economic threats of COVID-19 pandemic.

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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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