Featured

NEPAD Transformation ‘ll Reduce Poverty Rate-National Coordinator

Published

6 years ago

October 26, 2019

Joel Ajay

The National Coordinator, African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development,African Peer Review Mechanism, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM, Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu says poverty rate of the nation will be further plummeted when the Agency concludes its ongoing transformation process.

This was contained in a statement signed on Saturday in Abuja by Abolade Ogundimu the Media Assistant to Princess Akobundu.

Akobundu made this known while addressing the joint Committee of Senate and House of Representatives on Cooperation and Integration in Africa.

“NEPAD is undergoing major reform that will enable it function effectively in human and socio-economic development of the nation.

“Poverty eradication is one of the mandates of NEPAD, complete transformation to AUDA will greatly enable the agency to greatly contribute to poverty Eradication in Nigeria.

“By the time AUDA programmes gets to implementation stage and it gets necessary cooperation, poverty rate will be highly reduced and the impact will be well felt across the country.

“The Federal Government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari has been leading the transformation drive through various processes already on motion, we hope the National Assembly will also complement those efforts with required legislation when the need arise,” she said.

Following African Union (AU ) adoption of NEPAD’s transformation to AUDA, president Buhari approved the transformation in Nigeria which led to inauguration of a Committee in order to ensure full domestication of the agency for effective discharge of its mandates.

Akobundu therefore presented 2020 budget proposal to the joint committee and explained its major items.

During his remark, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, urged the current leadership of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, to ensure fulfilment of its role in nation building.

“Poverty rate is a major concern to the nation , millions of children begging on the streets, banditry, insurgency and ethnic clashes in parts of the country.

“Statistics show that more than 90 million Nigerians still live below poverty line and that will continue to be a major concern of this National Assembly.

This Committee is urging you to carry out your mandate on poverty alleviation in the country.

“Your agency as a development agency, has roles to play in nation building, make sure you deliver on them so that posterity will have good memory of your stewardship,” he said.

Similarly, the co-chairman of the Committee, Honourable Muhammed Umar Bago, said the National Assembly was passionate about realisation of AUDA-NEPAD mandates, assuring legislative supports when necessary.

“The agency has to deliver on its mandates especially, in the area of poverty Eradication and development of the nation.

“It must be more determined to actualise its mandate so that the nation can better appreciate its relevance.

“The National Assembly was established to serve the people, don’t hesitate to engage us in areas where you feel our inputs are required for you to actualise your mandates.

“Nigeria is a major donor to African Union (AU) and ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) funds, you must ensure the nation also benefits from such common purse,” he said.

At the end of the budget defence, the joint committee’s leadership and members unanimously approved AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria’s 2019 budget performance as well as 2020 budget proposal on Friday, October 25,2019.

Share on Facebook

Featured

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.

Share on Facebook