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Go to politics for positive impacts, Tallen charges women

Published

5 years ago

March 18, 2021

The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, has charged women aspiring to go into politics not to put money at the expense of contributing to positive changes in society.
Tallen made this known on Thursday at the African Young Female Appointees and Women with Disabilities in Politics Convergence in Abuja.

The minister was represented by Dr. Anthonia Ekpa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry at the event commemorating International Women’s Day with a focus on challenging the issues young women face in governance and politics.

Tallen encouraged the women to dissociate themselves from notion that politics is a money-making enterprise, but focus on meeting the education, health and social needs of the people.
According to her, being in governance is making your name not by what you have but by what you are and what you can do for others.

“The most important thing is for women to embrace passion and vision and not about money when coming into governance.

“Women who are going into politics must ensure they put to bear the needs of the society.
“There needs to be addressed are lack of education for our children, poor health system, lack of water, bad roads and so many other things.

“The politicians are like public servants who are to serve the people. So, you must come with the responsibility of changing a lot of others instead of having the mind of making money,” she said.
Tallen revealed that the ministry had set up a situation room to carry out a study on the number of women involved in politics in Nigeria.

Also, Mrs Abiodun Essiet, President, African Young Female Appointees Initiative (AYFAI) decried the percentage of women involved in politics, saying that there was need for more women.

“The percentage of women in politics is worrisome. We are nowhere close to where we are supposed to be in women representatives.

“Though women have the challenge of trying to build their careers and families in relation to sustaining governance, we need to do more by advocating for more women in politics.”

She, however, called for an enabling environment for young women and those with disabilities to get into politics.

Also, Adaora Onyechere, National Secretary, AYFAI, added there was the need to consider developing the next generation of girls to attain sustainable development as a country.
“Women should become deliberate about structures in political parties by getting involved.

“There is need for the government to maintain the 35 per cent affirmative for women to be involved in politics.

“For us here, we are not calling for something unusual but calling for something immediate,” she said.
Also, Mrs. Lois Auta, from the Network of Disabled Women, said it was time women began to challenge the status quo by coming up with action plans for women’s inclusiveness in politics.

She stressed the need for young women and women with disabilities to participate fully in government programs and politics so as to meet the needs of the group.

Mrs. Tari Oliver, Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa Governor on Women in Agriculture encouraged women to yearn for service to impact other women.

Oliver described women as managers of resources, hence their participation in politics would go a long way in bringing development to every sector of society.

Equally, Dr. Tunji Asaolu, Country Representative, African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC), called on women to create space where their voices would be heard.

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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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