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HFN Board Member Jibril Saidu Voted Secretary General of Commonwealth HNA

Published

4 years ago

December 5, 2021

Executive board member of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Mr. Jibril Ojih Saidu has been elected as the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Handball Nations Association.
Mr. Jibril, who is the North Central representative on the HFN board, was elected unopposed to lead the administrative affairs of the governing body of handball for english speaking countries globally.

President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Ocheho, in his congratulatory message, expressed his delight that the election of Mr. Jibril has put Nigeria on the global map of handball as a country taking her place in the sport’s governance.
For Ocheho, Mr. Jibril is deserving of the post on the global scene as he has done and is still doing his quota in repositioning handball in Nigeria in terms of the development of the game at the grassroot.
“I am very delighted that my brother, Mr. Jibril Saidu has been elected as the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Handball Nations Association.” Ocheho said
“This feat calls for celebrations not just for the handball family but the entire nation as the victory has placed Nigeria in the global handball map as a country that is taking her place in the governance of the sport.
Mr. Jibril has done a whole lot and is still doing much more in reposition of handball in Nigeria and is deserving of the post.
On behalf of the Nigeria Handball Family, I want to congratulate Mr. Jibril for making Nigeria proud and I also charge him to continue to be a great ambassador of our great country in his new post” Ocheho concluded.
Mr. Jibril will take over as Secretary General from another Nigeria General Williams Ishola who was the pioneer Secretary General.
The Commonwealth Handball Nations Association is the governing body for handball in the British Commonwealth.
Established in Salford, England in 1985 to try to get Handball into the Commonwealth Games, the governing body caters for commonwealth nations as well as to develop the game of handball in member states.
Also the Commonwealth Handball Nations Association is also vested in attaining greater recognition for the English language speaking nations within the IHF; representing the interest of Commonwealth nations within the IHF; developing technical expertise through coaching and refereeing; promote friendship through competitions and to promote handball throughout the Commonwealth.

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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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