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Madonna students’ arrest: Police, NANS resolve impasse

Published

6 years ago

June 27, 2019

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the Nigerian Police Force on its proactive measures put in place in tackling crimes in the country.

Mr Bamidele Akpan, National President of the association made this commendation at a news conference on the release of the association’s Vice-President Chidi Ilogede on Thursday in Abuja.

It would be recalled that Ilogede was arrested in Enugu on Monday night, June 24, following the issuance of an ultimatum to the Nigeria Police for the release of six students of Madonna University who had been incarcerated in the last six months.

The students — Anthony Ezeimo, Benedict Ameachi, Owhonda Karaka, Chijioke Nnamani, Jonathan Abuno and Blackson Nwokeoma — were alleged of cyber criminality on campus.

Akpan said that the arrest of the vice-president generated instant social media mobilisation for possible showdown with the institution.

He, however, said that the quick intervention of the Inspector -General of Police Abubakar Adamu led to the release of the association’s vice-president which had given room to an amicable resolution of the matter.

“Security breach, you would agree are largely caused by misinformation. The altercation between NANS and Madonna University was due to lack of verifiable information and poor communication.

“Nevertheless, both parties have resolved as all contentious issues have been mutually settled with the unconditional release of the NANS vice-president and possible termination of the case instituted at the Federal High Court, Awka against the remanded Madonna students.

“We thank the university’s management for the understanding and willingness to resolve the issues amicably.

“The prompt response and intervention of the IGP on this very issue has once again reaffirm our believe in an efficient police architecture that is responsive, professional and diligent in discharging effective policing anchored on public driven service and institutional engagement,’’ he said.

Akpan, therefore, called for the setting up of the arms disarmament commission to be able to mop up illegal arms in wrong hands and stem the rising tide of arms proliferation.

He noted that the commission could be placed under the command of the Nigeria Police Force since the security situation in Nigeria was becoming worrisome and changing in nature.

“Only a well equipped and motivated police force can reverse the trend, hence there should be proper funding of the force to be motivated in tackling crimes,’’ he said.

Ilogede said that NANS got involved in the issues because the association got hold of the charge sheet against the students where there were no tangible allegations of cyber crimes against them.

He, however, admonished Nigerian students to stay away crimes and criminality that could disrupt their academic pursuits.

Also, Mr Jude Imagwe, former Senior Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Youths and Students Matters, urged Nigerian youths to change the negative narrative that had been tied to the present generation.

He also appealed to the youth to steer clear of all forms of social vices.

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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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