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FG, TIIM Africa Sign MoU On Youth Empowerment

Published

5 years ago

November 24, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a venture capital company, TIIM Africa to empower 100 startups in the country.

The ceremony which was done at the ministry in Abuja is aimed at giving the startups that are successful in their application a grant of $5000 to expand their businesses.

The minister of youth and sports development, Sunday Dare said that he is delighted about the partnership with TIIM Africa, stating that it comes at a time when Nigerian youth need the most investments.

“We will continue to seek for partnerships with private sector organizations and youth-led groups such as TIMAfrica in order to give our teeming youth the best possible opportunities,” he said.

According to the managing partner, Samuel Ajako, investors around the world have seen the huge potentials in Nigeria.

“The fund is targeted at 100 start-ups in Nigeria. There are investors around the world who are looking at expanding at emerging markets.

“With Nigeria having a good number of tech startups and huge population, a lot of opportunities abound here,” he said.

Ajako further said there will be a screening process and a pitch day when each of them will come to present the business they have and the applicants will be selected on merit.

“There is a benchmark of $5000 per successful applicant. They have successful traction of 6 to12 months and also must have a business presence duly registered in Nigeria with the ability to employ people at the same time. We are not particular about any kind of sector.

Tiimafrica has a venture fund backed by investors around the world. We are a venture capital.

“Every single application that comes in will be screened and it will be strictly by merit. It’s a grant to help the business and we will be strict about the disbursement.

“We don’t just give grants, we offer operational support to ensure they make good use of the money.

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

Published

5 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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