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Int. Day of Sports and Peace: Keep Hope Alive, Minister Urges Nigerian Sportsmen and Women

Published

6 years ago

April 6, 2020

Joel Ajayi

Youths and Sports Development Minister Mr Sunday Dare has urged Nigerian athletes to keep hope alive on the occasion of the International Day of Sports for Development and peace despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement released on Monday morning by the Media office of Youth and Sports in Abuja.

According to Dare” On this historic day of the celebration of the United Nations International Day of Sports Development and peace which is celebrated soberly due to the Covid-19 scourge.

“I urge all our sportsmen and women to remain steadfast, strong and to keep hope alive. As athletes, you remain the beacon of hope to unite Nigerians to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Sports and Peace. You must use sports to foster peace, unity and lend support to those that are down. As sportsmen and women, you have an obligation to take up the symbolic role of lifting the spirit of our fellow country men and women.

“Despite the experience the world is going through, we must not allow our spirit of unity, love, care for each other to wane. In our little corners, let us celebrate by geting active through exercises in our homes, a walk in the park and encouraging each other to stay safe. When we stay together, we win together. In the spirit of sportsmanship, we must never give up the fight against the spread of covid-19.

“This fleeting, sober moment for sports , business, social, and economic meltdown will pass and we shall emerge victorious.”

Dare affirmed that “Sports remains the most powerful tool that unites the world during peace and war, and this experience would only strengthen our resolve to win always. Sports fosters peace and unity, it breaks all human barriers and promotes healthy living.

“As we seek to overcome this pandemic, let us encourage those that have caught the virus to be strong and resolute. Together we shall overcome.

“I encourage every Nigerian not to allow their spirit to be dampened,but use the occasion of the International Day of Sports and Peace to spread the message of peace through sports.”

Minister further said, “Despite the sobering moment, the world will always celebrate the advent of the modern Olympics which concides with the world sports Day.

“Sports can be used to drive change, unite the world and keep hope alive even in challenging times like this. We must not be discouraged or disillusioned, but sustain the fight against the spread of the virus . When we have conquered, we shall celebrate through the vehicle of sports . My message is that we must not give up.”

The United Nations had on August 23rd proclaimed April 6th of every year as the International Day of Sports and Peace in commemoration of the opening date of the modern Olympics which started in Athens in 1896. This year is being celebrated without the usual fanfare due to the Covid-19 scourge.

The United Nations has urged everyone to mark the occasion with increased awareness about the Covid-19 pandemic and how to stay safe.

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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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