Featured

Insecurity: Makinde pledges more support for security agencies

Published

4 years ago

October 19, 2021

Joel Ajayi

The Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, on Monday pledged his administration’s continue support to security agencies in their fight against insecurity in the state and Nigeria in general.

Makinde made the pledge on Monday, while receiving AVM Charles Ohwo, the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Ikeja, Lagos, in his office, at the State Secretariat, Ibadan.

The governor said the country had been going through a difficult period and that the current set of leaders of in the country had been quite challenged.
He said that the names of members of the Armed Forces would be written in gold for their efforts in stemming the tide of insecurity at this point in the nation’s history.

The governor also lauded the Nigerian Air Force for its unalloyed cooperation in keeping the state safe, noting that his administration had been enjoying a cordial relationship with the Air Force.

He reiterated his commitment to upgrade the Ibadan Airport, saying that plans were in top gear to extend the runway from the current 2.7 kilometres to 3.3 kilometres to enable bigger aircrafts to land.

Makinde said that his administration would continue to expand the footprints of the Nigerian Air Force in the state.

“We are excited that we are expanding the footprint of the Nigerian Air Force here with the planned Air Force Base which we have donated land for.
“Whenever the Chief of Air Staff is ready, we are ready to do the groundbreaking.

“All the roads leading to the Airport have been awarded and we are just waiting for the contractors to mobilise to sites,” the governor stated.

Earlier, Ohwo who led other Air Force officers on the courtesy visit, assured the governor that the Air Force would be willing and ready to contribute its quota to ensure that South-West, specifically Oyo State, is safe.

He appreciated the governor for supporting Air Force, in the donations of a piece of land for the Air Force Base, new school building, transformer and other equipment.

Share on Facebook

Featured

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.

Share on Facebook