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FG Receives Edo 2020 NSF Report

Published

4 years ago

February 16, 2022

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, received the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival report from the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, who received the report in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, assured that government will look into the recommendations contained in the documents, with a view to adopting possible areas of collaboration with the State.

Mr. Dare commended the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and Edo State Government in particular, for investing so much towards the successful hosting of the Sports Festival, inspite of the COVID-19 Pandemic, stating further that the Ministry will do everything humanly possible to ensure that the State is supported within the limited resources.

He said that the report received is a significant and pioneering event that has never happened before.

“This is the first of its kind; for a host State to officially submit the Report of the LOC of the Festival to the Ministry, as such, it is commendable. I hope that the subsequent hosts will emulate the good gesture from Edo 2020 LOC,” Dare said.

The Minister explained that with this performance, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is indeed grateful to the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the good people of the State for their hospitality and the tremendous effort which culminated in making the event a huge success.

While thanking the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Comrade Phillip Shaibu, for his doggedness in the organization and management of facilities and the resources at his disposal, he re-assured that the report will be looked into critically and the recommendations considered accordingly.

Mr. Dare commended Comrade Shaibu for recognizing and supporting the “Adopt an Athlete initiative” of the Ministry, as he was the first to adopt an athlete, adding that “it was a pilot attempt towards the Olympic Games, and the impact was felt.”

He reiterated that the partnership between the Ministry and Edo State is a dynamic one and will continue.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar expressed his sincere appreciation to Edo State Government for accepting to host the Festival at a time the country was in the woods, demonstrating their love for the Nation and stressed that Sports is no longer an entertainment as it creates jobs, taking the Youth away from the streets.

While presenting the report to the Minister, the Chairman, Edo 2020 Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Comrade Phillip Shaibu thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for granting the State the opportunity to host the Festival, and giving it an insight of what hosting a Sports Festival looks like.

The hosting of the Sports Festival, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic Shaibu said, was not only a trial and setback for the State, but it also provided for more commitment towards hosting the Tournament.

“The COVID-19 was a setback, but the State had the tournament, that during and after, recorded no single spark of COVID-19, a report which helped the World Olympic Committee in their decision towards the hosting of Tokyo 2020 Olympics,” he stated.

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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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