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ENGR. HABU GUMEL AND HIS ENDURING LEGACY IN SPORTS

Published

6 years ago

November 8, 2019

Felicia Mammah Okafor

History is about to be made again in Nigerian Sports as the nation gears towards the historic commissioning of the office complex of the 54-member Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) scheduled for 13th and 14th November 2019.

As expected since ten years ago that Nigeria was elected to be the Head Quarter of ANOCA, this event will bring glory to Nigeria and raise its stature in the comity of world sporting nations. A fallout of that event is that it will motivate Nigerian sports administrators and athletes towards greater achievements, thus signaling a new fortune or blossoming for them.

Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel

A Tribute for this development would be a collective one for Nigeria, but particularly to a man with a burning desire to leave a legacy in sports. He is Engr. Habu Gumel, a Jigawa State-born astute sports administrator, for his dogged pursuit and realization of a worthy dream. One would wonder how an Engineer by profession could be so in-depth in sporting activities which may appear not to be his primary calling.

But his giant actions that involve activities in both field and track constitute a loud statement that beyond occupational or career professionalism, passion, know-how, and determination that one deploys to a given assignment is a catalyst to take that person to the peak. Gumel’s passion for sports, invariably, has won him a significant place both locally and internationally, conquering tough challenges and winning laurels. Just as Roberth Sychular would say “Tough times never last but tough people do”.

Engr Gumel had worked in the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) before joining the then National Youth Development Department which later metamorphosed to National Sports Commission where he was the Director of Facility and witnessed the commissioning of the present Mashood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. It would be thought that his carrier progression will limit him to the construction of buildings but alas it became a beneficial resource and experience in navigating the obstacles, bumps, and odds in every human situation.

Braving all forms of odds and fears which could inhibit someone, he strongly posits that limitation is one’s choice while fear of competition and wrong motives could make a person bow to negative influences. Not for a man like him! Deservedly, destiny has exalted him to the position wherein he could be described as the father of sports in Nigeria, having seen him taking the country to highly competitive sports engagements all over the world.

When the ANOCA Headquarters gets commissioned in Nigeria, it will be significant in many respects. First, it is a credit to the Federal Government for fulfilling the Protocol Agreement she signed to provide an office building and befitting Secretariat for the Association of National Olympic Committee for Africa (ANOCA). it will further be a justification of the trust and regard that all the African countries have for Nigeria, as expressed in their choice to have their Headquarters domiciled here.

Nigeria is widely known for being a ‘big brother’ to other African countries and when the opportunity came for her to accommodate them on her soil, she did not relent, and to further prove her commitment to unity in the Diaspora, provided 4805.30sqm of land space in the Cadastral zone B15, sector center A, in Abuja the Capital of Nigeria. Some of the features provided in the building of two floors include Standard Conference Room of about 93 square meters in the floor area of 1768 square meters.

The Federal Government defaulted in the timing of project completion due to the global exigencies of economic and financial constraints but has now proven beyond doubt her commitment to providing comfort to African countries that will subsequently make Abuja their home capital. Among other fittings that would make the arena pleasant are Perimeter fence, soft landscaping, driveway sparking, 200KVA Transformer, 150KVA soundproof diesel generator set, garden, borehole, ground storage tank and an overhead water storage reservoir.

The Association of National Olympic Committee for Africa (ANOCA) was founded in July 1965 in Brazzaville. It is an international organization that unites the 54 African countries. It is charged with the responsibilities of encouraging mediation and conciliation between the National Olympic Committees (NOC) and the government. It ensures the building foundation of ambitious sports policies as well as provides young athletes with the condition for success.

The Association promotes sports initiatives including Olympic ideals and values in Africa. It is also involved in the fight against doping, corruption, violence and other pandemics. Most importantly ANOCA brings togetherness through sports to build a peaceful Africa.

ANOCA does much more but suffices it to say that these African countries take seriously in their curriculum African Games, African Youth Games, African Beach Games, ANOCA U-23 championship /Olympic Qualifying Tournaments and ANOCA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

In the count down to that historic event, Engr. Habu Gumel who remains valid in mind, strength, administration, and politics, deserves a thumb up. He has used his passion for Sports to provide job opportunities, permanent gathering for African countries and above all increased the nation’s economic strength. In collaboration with the Federal Government, a remarkable history will be made when the office complex for the 54 African countries gets commissioned.

Engr. Habu Gumel is presently the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Member International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Treasurer: Association of National Olympic Committee for Africa (ANOCA) and President of Volley Ball Federation of Nigeria for many years. He has taken the country’s sports to both political and international height and is about to permanent it in the Hall of Fame.

Its congratulations to a practical personality that drives achievable passion, thus encouraging inspired and go-getter persons to look beyond professionalism and to be creative with their ideas and passion.

Big felicitation to the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development and especially to the Honourable Minister who is avid to see this event come through. Most importantly, the glory goes to the Federal Republic of Nigeria that has done so much and will continue to do so in the overall interest of Nigeria.

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

Published

1 week 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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