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FG Commends Enugu State Government For Promoting Sports Development

Published

2 years ago

November 11, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has commended the Enugu State Government under the stewardship of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubusi Mbah, for its commitment to promoting sports development through the innovative and comprehensive upgrade and rebranding of sporting facilities in the state.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, gave the commendation today in Enugu, the Enugu State Capital, shortly after the inspection tour of sporting facilities in the state.

He stated that the Federal Government was impressed with the commitment of the State Government, especially in the areas of grassroots sports, talent identification, and infrastructure upgrade as well as in its vision for sports as a profitable business venture because it tallies with the Federal Government’s vision for the sector.

Senator Owan Enoh stated further that his visit to the state was to enable him to have a one-on-one discussion with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah on how they can partner together to unlock the economic potentials of sports and to further visit the Ministry’s Zonal Office as well as inspect sporting facilities in the state so as to have first-hand knowledge of their current status in order to take definitive action on them.

The Minister who was led on the inspection tour of facilities by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the State, Lloyd Ekweremadu, noted that Enugu State deserves commendation from all sports-loving Nigerians, especially in their contributions to sports development.

He added that the state has a rich history with an international brand like the Rangers football club.

Senator Owan Enoh assured that the Ministry of Sports Development under his watch was ready to collaborate with the Enugu State Government to ensure that the sector wears a new face, a venture where interested businessmen and women can invest their money and make profits.

The vision of government at the Federal level Senator Owan Enoh said, is to also see sports as a sector that can create jobs, alleviate poverty in society, and contribute to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and not just a mere recreation this further underscores the importance of our visit to the Zonal Office located in the State. We are charging our Zonal Coordinators to brace up and begin to work closely and assiduously with their state hosts and also ensure that sports activities are organized and well packaged right at the grassroots in order to attract private sector sponsorships he said.

Also speaking, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the State, Lloyd Ekweremadu commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration for endorsing the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) approved by the immediate past administration which classified sports as a business and not just a mere recreation, a vision he said, is in line with the focus of the Governor Mbah-led administration.

Mr Ekweremadu observed that sports is a critical business sector that if well thought out and properly harnessed, can translate the passion and energies in our youth, provide jobs for them, increase our GDP, and enable a safe and peaceful environment for Nigerians as well as boost the economy of our nation.

The Honourable Commissioner used the opportunity to appeal to the relevant stakeholders in the industry, corporate and private sector organizations as well as other sports-loving Nigerians to see and understand the new vision in sports and join hands with the Federal and Enugu State Governments in unlocking the economic potential of sports in Nigeria.

Facilities visited by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh after a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Enugu State Dr Peter Ndubusi Mbah at the Government House Enugu and the Ministry’s Zonal Office include Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu, Administrative Office of Rangers Club, Rangers Club Hostel as well as Rangers Club Training Pitch.

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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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