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Efforts ongoing to deliver 4 football pitches soon – Sunday Dare

Published

6 years ago

January 2, 2020

Efforts ongoing to deliver 4 football pitches soon – Sunday Dare

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has intimated the public of some of his plans for the Youth and Sports sector this year.

In a series of tweets in the early hours of the first day of 2020, the Minister outlined some of the plans of the Ministry to ensure Sports and the Youth of Nigeria are taken to the next level in line with the agenda of the Buhari administration.

“Talks are ongoing concerning the renovation of the Obafemi Awolowo stadium, formerly, Liberty Stadium with government and a few private individuals. Our goal is to deliver four FiFA standard pitches by the first quarter of 2020 by God’s Grace,” he wrote.

“Our short term Sports Development Plan for the next 2 years gradually unfolds. It is focused on Infrastructure, Athletes Welfare, Grassroot Sports and Sports as a viable business. Abuja Stadium is on its way back, National Stadium Lagos is set for concession not forgetting the Ahmadu Bello Stadium,” he added.

The Minister also disclosed that talks are ongoing for the renovation of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium with government and a few private individuals.

“Our goal, he wrote, is to deliver four FIFA standard pitches by the first quarter of 2020 by God’s Grace.

“The ministry will in 2020 monitor and ensure the completion of about 20 mini-stadiums across the country. The Imo-model of one mini-Stadium per Local government by each state will be marketed.

On plans for the teeming Nigerian youth, the Minister wrote, “the government will provide and open up more opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition working with strategic implementation partners. In this regard, this government is in a hurry to ratchet up the numbers of engaged Youth.

The Minister promised to do all within the Ministry’s powers to ensure that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan counts for Nigeria and Nigerians. “Our athletes will be exposed to the best training, competitions and camping possible. The process is already ongoing- and will be sustained.”

On plans to boost grassroots sports development, the Minister hinted that the Headmasters’ Cup for primary Schools and Principals Cup are making comeback, along with a new Talent Hunt Program, THP, which he said is being finalized.

“Adoption Initiative is birthed and the policy to turn sports into business are being pursued among other things.”

He further assured of the Federal Government’s commitment towards increasing the level of investment in the youth as the slew of new youth engagements unfold and the previous ones are strengthened and consolidated through partnership with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

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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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