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Defence Headquarter Takes CDS Security Parley To SouthEast

Published

4 years ago

July 23, 2021

…As Gen Irabor Assures on Improved Security

Joel Ajayi

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, has assured the people of the South- East (SE) commitment towards improving the security situation in the Region and the Nation at large.

In a statement signed by the Deputy Director Defence InformationDefence Headquarters Air Commodore WAP MAIGIDA on Thursday in Abuja revealed that Gen Irabor gave the assurance, at the Chief of Defence Staff’s interaction with retired senior military officers in the Southeast geopolitical zone held in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Addressing participants at the forum, the CDS said the AFN are in the forefront of redressing various security threats in the country. According to him, the military in synergy with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, are working round the clock to redress the asymmetric security threats confronting the Nation.

The Defence Chief explained that the current agitations in the zone made the SE security situation very peculiar noting that a good number of those who are in support of such agitations have wrong understanding of the realities on ground.

He described the engagements of the military veterans in the Region as useful, noting that with their privileged and distinct positions, they could bring greater understanding to stakeholders in the region as well as disabuse the misconceptions and perceptions of the agitators.

Gen Irabor while commending the senior citizens for their large turnout, noted that they remain a dependable partner in establishing peace and stability across the country. According to him, “among the various stakeholders, the retired senior military officers have the greatest interest within the matrix of defence and national security.”

The CDS urged the veterans to remain loyal as demonstrated during their patriotic service in the military, while reminding them that both retired and serving military personnel are completely sold-out to the unity and faith, peace and progress of the country.

The Chief of Defence Civil Military Cooperation (CDCMIC), Rear Admiral Fredrick Ogu, in his opening remarks, said the input of the retired senior officers is germane in proffering lasting workable solutions to prevailing security the region.

The CDCMIC, recalled that the first and second edition of the CDS interaction session with retired senior military held in the Southwest and Northwest regions would be replicated in the remaining geopolitical zones and the FCT.

The General Officer Commanding (GOS), 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Taofeek Lagbaja, in his welcome address, said the forum would further shape and enhance AFN collective efforts at responding to the emerging security challenges in the SE.

The GOC maintained that the AFN and security agencies have continued to enjoy unparalleled support and goodwill of the people.

Prominent among the participants were the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika. The Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Frank Oparah, Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abutu Yaro and the Imo State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr Mike Ogar, also graced the occasion.

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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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