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Nigerian Footballers Urged To Help Govt Fight COVID-19

Published

6 years ago

March 26, 2020

As Federal Government intensified the fight to prevent further spread of COVID-19, with a call on private organisations and Nigerians to support the campaign, Nigerian footballers playing in the lucrative European leagues have been urged to assist government in its fight against the global pandemic.

The pioneer executive chairman of Gombe State Sports Commission and proprietor of Nigeria National League side, FC Yarmalight, Malam Farouk Yarma, made the solemn call in a statement he released via his social media handle, yesterday.

Yarma said the Nigerian players should emulate the like of Cristiano Ronaldo, Leonel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and tennis great, Rogers Federer, among others who have contributed towards fighting the scourge of global COVID-19 in their respective countries.

“We have heard of the contributions made by players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, among others towards fighting the Coronavirus in their countries and the world at large. “I’ve expected to hear same gesture from Nigerian players, especially those playing in the lucrative European leagues, but that didn’t suffice.
The entire world, Nigeria inclusive, is currently in trying period. Governments and the people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

“Nigerian masses are on top of the list of these neediest. Our footballers should be philanthropic and donate to the course of these masses. Many of Nigerian professional footballers can make contributions which will wipe away many tears.

“We are not praying for the proliferation of Coronavirus in Nigeria, but the country and its people need to take preventive measures. These measures need funds and the government alone should not be left with this responsibility.

I solemnly call on Nigerian footballers to donate adequately and help the government in assisting the country’s masses in the trying period. I know they can,’’ the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has announced plans to ban inter-state travel and possibly close down all motor parks as part of measures to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, disclosed the plans, yesterday

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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.

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