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Driving Against Traffic: 15 Die In 3 Days On Kaduna-Abuja Road

Published

5 years ago

January 25, 2021

Justina Akanbi Kaduna

Kaduna State Government says no fewer than 15 persons perished in crashes on the Kaduna-Abuja highway, within the past 72 hours, while driving against traffic, according to a statement it issued on Sunday, in Kaduna.

Mr Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, who issued the statement, said the information was based on feedback to the state government by the military and security agencies conducting security operations along the highway.

According to him, the figure of the dead was presented along with a report of the latest crash, which occurred early on Sunday morning around Greenfield University, in Chikun local government area, involving an articulated vehicle conveying grains and motorcycles to Abuja and driving against the traffic. “This caused the vehicle to veer off the road and tip over on its side.

Seven persons died in the crash, with five injured and now receiving treatment in hospital. Troops and security agents helped clear the site and ensure the normal flow of traffic,” he added.

Aruwan said several other fatal accidents had occurred recently on the route, all caused by drivers switching lanes to drive against the traffic, leading to head-on collisions with oncoming vehicles, citing the case of a crash on Saturday, around Olam Farms, in which two lives were lost.

“Two days before that, four persons died in another crash close to the NYSC camp, and a similar crash occurred on Jan. 20”, the commissioner added. Aruwan said Gov Nasir El-Rufai had expressed dismay at the reports and commiserated with the families of the deceased, while wishing the injured quick recovery.

The Governor reiterated his call to drivers plying the highway to desist from dangerous practices, such as speeding and driving against the flow of traffic, stressing that the state government had mandated security agents to continue to enforce compliance with good motoring practices.

While acknowledging the inconvenience posed by defects on the highway, El-Rufai pointed out that the risks involved in switching lanes to drive against were too grave, as clearly indicated by the number of deadly crashes recorded on the road, in the past month.

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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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