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Minister Inagurates Board for Commonwealth Youth Programmes

Published

6 years ago

November 27, 2019

…As Diploma ProgrammeTake-off in Uniabuja

Joel Ajayi

In its yearning to cater more for the need of Nigerians Youth to achieve their goals, the Minister of Youths and Sports Development Mr Sunday Dare has inagurated board to upgrade the Commonwealth Youth Programmes CYP in the University of Abuja the Nigeria’s Capital City.

It will be recalled that, the Commonwealth Youth Programmes, Diploma in Youth is a Development Distance learning programme started in Nigeria in 2006 with an agreement and MoU between the CYP Secretariat in Zambia, the Federal Government, and the University of Abuja.

Also, the CYP and the Federal Government are to provide 50 per cent funding each, while the University of Abuja will deliver the programme and confer the diploma and certification.

Speaking at inaguration, the Minister charged the board to work this in Abuja during the inauguration of Board to work out a programme that will lead to the award of a post-graduate degree.

According to him, the CYP Diploma programme is an 18-month pilot cycle programme, whose implementation was initially scheduled between April 2006 and Jan. 2008 but could not take off due to the dwindling financial resources in the ministry and new directive from the National University Commission (NUC) that Nigerian Universities should stop running Diploma programmes, hampered the operations of the programme since 2011.

“In 2009, the government constituted a committee to observe lapses in the conduct of the programme and make recommendations that would uplift the standard in tune with the desired objectives of the CYP.

“I wish to state the need to sustain this specialised platform for capacity building in youth work as was considered appropriate to work out the programme to award a post-graduate degree.

“It is with this thought that the ministry deems it appropriate to reconstitute membership of the board of the centre to champion this noble course.”

Sports and Youth Minister, disclosef that the programme would be under the Centre for Gender and Security Studies and Youths Advancement (CeGSYAD).

He then, called on the newly inaugurated board members, to work with modalities for the smooth take-off of the Programme and show the sense of discipline, integrity, and commitment in operating the programme.

Also, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Olusade Adesola, who was represented at event by the Director of Education and Youth Development, Mr Ede Ogaba stressed the need to build on the capacity of youths in the country.

In his acceptance the board Chairman the Vice-Chancellor of University of Abuja (UniAbuja) Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’allah, represented by the Deputy Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. Gadzama Ali assured the ministry that the Uniabuja would leave no stoned unturned to ensure that the Programme succeed abd meet the aspiration of the Nigerians.

He said that the institution had developed a new curriculum, which would be used to run the programme effectively.

However, the board members consist of staff of Ministry of Youth and Sports, Uniabuja amongsts other.

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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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