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Culture, Veritable Tool For Peace, Sustainable Development – Minister

Published

6 years ago

September 5, 2019

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has tasked the Director Generals and Chief Executive Officers of agencies in the Culture Sector to explore culture as a potent tool for promoting peace and sustainable development in the country.

The Minister gave the challenge in Abuja on Tuesday when he received the Director Generals and the Chief Executive Officers of the agencies on a courtesy visit.

“In particular, I want to challenge you to explore and exploit the possibility of using culture as a tool for peace and sustainable development in our country. As you are aware, we are presently beset with a myriad of social vices, including ethno-religious crisis, banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, drug abuse and child trafficking.

“These problems are not unconnected to the breakdown in moral valuesand increasing disregard for our cultural values,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed reminded the DGs and CEOs of the role of culture in ensuring societal peace and sustainable development, as well as strengthening international relations, which was at the core of this year’s World Cultural Day with the theme “Culture for Sustainable Peace and Development”.

He said that at the moment, the country needs a cultural renaissance in order to inculcate the values that promote peace and unity among the citizens.

The Minister, who said his reappointment is a mark of the confidence reposed in him by the President and the appreciation of the modest successes achieved by the ministry in the first term, urged the heads of the agencies to gird their loins in readiness for more work, as the Buhari Administration takes the nation to the Next Level.

In his remarks, the Leader of the delegation and the Director-General of the National Council For Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, said the DGs and CEOs came to congratulate the Minister and to thank the President for re-appointing him as the Minister of Information and Culture.

“My colleagues from the Culture Sector said it has become necessary to come and join you in celebrating and thanking God for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said, noting that this is the first time a minister is being returned to his seat in this sector.

Other members of the delegation are the Acting Director Generals of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation, Mrs. Ndidi Aimienwauu; National Gallery of Art, Dr. Simon Ikpakronyi; National Institute For Hospitality and Tourism, Alhaji Momoh Kabiru; National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr. Aliyu Abdu and the Acting Executive Secretary, National Institute For Cultural Orientation, Mr.
Louis Eriomala.

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

Published

7 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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