Featured

NCF President Uyi Pays Working Visit To Abuja Office

Published

4 years ago

December 3, 2021

Joel Ajayi

As the year 2021 gradually comes to an end, the Federation is taking stock of activities conducted and also preparing for the 2022 Cricket calendar.

Exciting times ahead suggest that early preparations will be the catalyst to drive the success plans especially when the Board convenes in late December to have her first strategic session and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja.

During the week President of the Federation Mr. Uyi Akpata visited the Nigeria Cricket Federation head office in Abuja on a 1-day working visit.

His first stops was the Secretariat office where he met with staff and also inspected the office environment. The next stop was a visit to some members of the national team undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) clinic in Abuja. Meeting with the President, the players expressed their gratitude for the timely intervention by the Federation intending to their medical needs, citing that treatment was going on according to plans.

The President’s final stop was the Cricket Oval where he conducted routine inspections of the 2 turf pitches under construction and the level of readiness. After a tour around both facilities and interaction with the ground staff, Mr. Uyi Akpata expressed satisfaction at the job done thus far and the condition of the pitches especially the playing surface and the outfield. ‘’ I am very pleased with the conditions of the pitches here in Abuja, a lot of work has gone into this in the last 2 years and some work still needs to be done especially with the sitting areas and pavilion but overall, we are almost ready and plans are in place to make this a complete functional facility ahead of activities in 2022, he said.’’

Changes in structures and approach on the new outlook on the workforce of the Federation continues as the President is looking to prime everyone ahead of what can be described as a very exciting and events-packed 2020 cricket season in Nigeria.

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