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Eid-el-Kabir:Let’s Keep hope alive on Nigeria,, says AUDA-NEPAD Boss

Published

4 years ago

July 22, 2021

Ability to look beyond contemporary challenges with hope for better future is a critical tool for greater development of the Nation, says Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development/African Peer Review Mechanism (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM) Nigeria.

Akobundu said in her Eid-el-Kabir goodwill message to Management and Staff of the Agency, commemorating great faith in Allah (God) as displayed by Prophet Ibraheem when Allah (God) commanded him to sacrifice his son, Ishaq (Isaac).

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Assistant to NC/CEO, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria Abolade Ogundimu said that every challenge should be considered a test from God and should be confronted with the hope of overcoming them.

“The whole world is facing series of challenges, from terrorism to cybercrime, unemployment, infrastructural deficits, environmental/climate challenges, the recent COVID-19 pandemic, among others ravaging the world.

“In Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government as well as Sub-national Governments have been trying within their means to address Nigeria’s predominant challenges.

“Government efforts in combatting Challenges confronting the Nation can only yield significant result when the people key into the vision and support efforts of the Government.

“Prophet Ibraheem keyed into God’s plans for his existence and he was surprised with a ram in place of his own son he wanted to use as sacrifice,” she said.

On how the Agency under her stewardess had been helping the Nation.

“AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria believes in President Buhari’s commitment to deepen Good Governance and take 100 million people out of poverty level within 10 years.

” The ongoing Second Peer Review Process of the Country, being Conducted by the Agency will help the Nation to look itself in the mirror, sustain what it is doing correctly what to rectify so that other Nations can thrive.

“Similarly, AUDA-NEPAD Initiative to Strengthen Smallholder Farmers amid COVID-19 pandemic is another flagship programme of the Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments.

” The programme aims to sharpen the skills of low income farmers and promote prosperity at the grassroots in the country,” she said.

She urged Nigerians to keep hope alive so that they could all witness Nigeria of their dream, while pursuing African Union Agenda 2063- ‘Africa We Want’,which includes decent Shelter for every African by year 2063.

Akobundu called for moderation and reflection on the type of Nation contemporary Nigerians which to celebrate.

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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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