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CSAR Validation: AU applauds Nigeria’s efforts on Refugees, IDPs

Published

4 years ago

July 9, 2021

Joel Ajayi

Lead Panel Member, African Union Country Review Mission (AU-CRM) Team, Dr. Abdoulie Janneh, applauded Nigeria’s efforts to stem challenges of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons in the Country during its Sectoral Consultation for validation of Nigeria’s Country Self-assessment Report (CSAR) as part of the ongoing Second Peer Review Process of the Country.

In a statement signed by the Media Assistant to NC/CEO, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria Abolade Ogundimu stated that Janneh gave the commendation when he led the Review Mission, accompanied by Members of National Governing Council (NGC) of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Nigeria to National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMIPD) respectively on Wednesday.

The CRM Team met with Hajia Imaan Sulaiman- Ibrahim, Honourable Federal Commissioner, NCRMIDP and her Management on how IDPs, Refugees and Migrants were being treated in the Country amid COVID-19 pandemics and insecurity which is challenging the nation and the world.

According to him, the way Nigeria treats issue of the vulnerable groups is commendable.

He described the Consultation as “fruitful, open and a demonstration of exemplary manner.

” Nigeria’s approach in treating very difficult issue of Refugees and IDPs may be described as the best example on how to integrate them into a larger society,” he said.

Reacting to questions raised on IDPs and refugee related matters in Nigeria, Hajia Sulaiman-Ibrahim gave details of various peculiar strategies deployed by the Country through the Commission.

“We have Gender-sensitive resettlement initiative for single mothers and widows in our IPDs and refugee camps, while we also have transitional learning programme for the vulnerables in order to integrate them into the society.

“There is provision for refugees of school going age to acquire free basic education from primary one to Junior Secondary school (JSS) 3 as available to all Nigerians in public schools.

“The Nigerian refugees are not only from Africa but also Asia and the Commission ensures their enrolment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS),” she said.

The Honourable Federal Commissioner added that National Policy on Refugees and IDPs would soon be further strengthened to enhance Nigeria’s compliance with Kampala Convention on Refugees and other vulnerable groups.

She Commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to the wellbeing of refugees and other vulnerable groups in the county.

She concluded, saying “I commend the commitment of Princess Akobundu-led APRM to the Review Process which is capable of giving room for great reforms in the country”.

Dr. Louis Mandama, member, NGC APRM Nigeria, representing Sen. Abba Ali said ” upon completion of the ongoing Review Process of Nigeria, it will not only benefit the Country but the entire Continent”.

He was at the Consultation with Dr. Ugo Beke, another Member of the NGC.

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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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