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Nigeria @ 60: FG Commends CAN’s Roles In Nation Building

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5 years ago

September 27, 2020

Justina Akanbi

The Federal Government on Sunday in Abuja commended the roles played by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), toward the spiritual and physical development of the country.

Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo gave the commendation at an Inter-denominational Thanksgiving Service to mark Nigeria’s 60 years of Independence.

Represented by Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Osinbajo expressed delight over the choice of the 60th-anniversary theme.

“I am deeply delighted to speak to you at this inter-denominational service commemorating Nigeria at 60th independence anniversary.

“The theme of today’s message “Together, come let us rebuild”, resonates with the theme of Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary.

“It should serve as a clarion call to all Christians in Nigeria to be prepared to contribute their quota to national development,” he said.

The Vice President said that Nigeria needed its citizens to love her and help to rebuild the cracks on its walls.

“As aptly stated in today’ sermon, the story of Nehemiah and his role in rebuilding the broken walls of Jerusalem should be a challenge to every Christian who is desirous of following the path of the Christian way of life,” he said.

He tasked Nigerians to emulate Nehemiah’s attitude towards his country, adding that Nehemiah’s services should serve as a metaphor for Nigerians resident in the country or outside of it.

“Let us cry to God to give us the wisdom to use the abundant opportunities in the country to address the challenges of nation-building.

“Fortunately for us in Nigeria, our walls are not yet broken, but they have cracks and that could lead to break, if not properly addressed.

“Nehemiah first started fervently with prayers, seeking the face of God and pleading with his kings to allow him go to Jerusalem to help his people rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem, the city of David,” Osinbajo said.

He explained the significance of the walls around the city, saying that they signified security, prosperity, peace, and contentment, and also signified the essence of a nation-state.

He also said that the rebuilding of Jerusalem represented the peoples’ renewal of faith to overcome national challenges.

Osinbajo charged Nigerians to see the need for Nehemiah in Nigeria as a nation with a burning desire to build the nation’s broken walls, in spite of oppositions.

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

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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.

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