Featured

N/West: Director Of Sports Calls For Suspension Of 8 Zonal Representatives

Published

5 years ago

September 7, 2020

Joel Ajayi

North West Zone Director of Sports has called for the suspension of Representatives of the zone on boards of eight Federations, as well as cautioned others on ten Federations.

The call was made after a three days meeting of the Director of Sports held in Kaduna state.

In a communiqué jointly signed by Chairman North-West Zone Director of Sports, Nalado Iro Kankiya and representative of Chairmen North-West Zone Athletics Associations, Alhaji Mohammed Sule, the forum condemned the attitude of some representatives who have not impacted positively in their federations.

The communique also called on the North-West Zonal Representatives on the boards of Aquatics, Chess, Deaf Sports, Fives, Rowing, Canoeing and Yachting, Shooting, Tennis, and Wrestling to within the next two weeks, submit their scorecard since the election to the Zonal Sports office through their respective states Directors of Sports.

It read, “We call on the Board of Cycling, Handball, Basketball, Hockey, Boxing, Rugby, Table Tennis and Traditional Sports Federations to without delay temporarily suspend our representatives from the Federations for lackadaisical attitude towards responsibilities envisaged from them at states and zonal level. The forum is tired of enduring their nonperformance.

“For representatives on the boards of Aquatics, Chess, Deaf Sports, Fives, Rowing, Canoeing and Yachting, Shooting, Tennis and Wrestling; we urge them to submit their scorecard since election within the next two weeks of this communiqué to their the Zonal Sports office through their respective states Directors of Sports.

Meanwhile, they expressed sincere appreciation to the Zonal representatives on the Boards of Volleyball, Cricket, Taekwondo, and weightlifting for their track records of performances at states, zonal and national levels.

“Decisions taken are in the Best Interest of States and the Zone for Unhindered Progress and Sports Developments,” it said.

The forum thanked the President of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation for willing to sponsor the Zone’s U-17 Championship and further assured him of the state’s readiness to participate.

The forum praised the efforts of the Federal Government under the Leadership of President Muhammad Buhari for immediate measures taken in handling the COVID-19 Pandemic that brought life and Sporting activities to a near standstill until the easing of lockdown and the go-ahead for Non-Contact Sporting events and activities to hold.

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development North West Zonal called on States Sports Councils to constitute sports associations with credible individuals that have the passion for the growth and development of various sports/games at the state level.

Abdullahi Idris, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, North-West Zone urged communities based sports clubs, associations and organizations to formally register/affiliate with relevant associations at states and national levels for recognition, support, and technical assistance on modern ways of practice.

The Communique informed that the lecture session which was part of the engagement recorded the participation of four (4) Directors of Sports, two representatives, and twelve (12) others while the deliberations session recorded the attendance of four (4) Directors of Sports, two (2) representatives two (2) States Athletics Chairmen and Four (4) Representatives with the Zonal Sports Coordinator

Share on Facebook

Featured

Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 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