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NDDC Financial Impropriety: CSOs Call For Independent Probe

Published

5 years ago

July 20, 2020

Foremost Civil Society Organizations in the country have called for an independent probe of financial impropriety at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Recall that amid the crisis rocking the NDDC, President Muhammadu Buhari gave directives for better coordination among security and investigating agencies with the National Assembly to bring about sanity in the system.

The President urged the concerned stakeholders to ensure that the administration’s effort to bring transparency and accountability to the management of the large number of resources dedicated to the development of the Niger Delta sub-region is not derailed.

In a statement made available to newsmen yesterday in Abuja, jointly signed by the convener, Advocacy for Good Governance Comrade Musa Abdullahi and the president, Nigeria First Initiative.

Tunde Adebisi on behalf of the CSOs, said allowing members of the National Assembly to go ahead will not produce the needed result but rather lead to a waste of time and resources and only ended up in a media trial.

The CSOs also frowned at any effort geared towards dragging the name of Senator Godswill Akpabio to the mud by anybody or group of persons.

The statement said it is unfortunate that his resolve to restore the hope of the Niger Deltans through the NDDC is construed as misconduct.

“We make bold to reaffirm the confidence reposed on him by Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari and the entire people of Niger Delta,” the statement said.

The statement also demanded that the chairman House Committee on NDDC; Olubunmi Ojo should discontinue and excuse itself from the probe.

“The loss of confidence expressed by the IMC, NDDC, people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians is the center of our concern,” the statement said.

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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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