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NIM calls for effective democratic system, structure

Published

6 years ago

September 16, 2019

The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM-Chartered) has called for an effective review of the democratic system and structure of the country for all citizens to benefit from its dividends.

Prof. Olukunle Iyanda, the National President and Chairman of Council, NIM, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday at the 2019 Annual National Management Conference themed “Managing the Challenges of Democracy.’’

He said it is important to proffer lasting solutions to the challenges of democracy in the country.

He also said there was need to monitor the usage of public fund for developmental projects to avoid corruption.

“Democratic challenges affecting the nation includes corruption; inequality; sectionalism; abuse of authority; incompetence; citizen alienation and vote trading among others.

“Democracy should be seen as a system that would guarantee security and all citizens should benefit from it through developmental goals.

“It is hardly contestable that men differ in their ability to exercise judgment in selecting their representatives, even if they have knowledge of those representatives, which in most cases they don’t.

“And also, that the process of electing representatives does not produce the most suitable candidates for the tasks or those with the nobility of character that puts service above self.

“These perhaps, are the sources of most challenges , such as corruption, inequality, sectionalism, abuse of authority, incompetence, citizen alienation, vote trading, facing democracy.’’

According to him, the staggering inequalities the Nigerians form of democracy has produced whereby the representatives live in obscene affluence while the people wallow in poverty should be changed.

Iyanda added that these numerous challenges were not insurmountable stressing that their dire consequences could be avoided or at least minimised by good professional management practice.

“This is the task we have set for ourselves at this conference, to find ways and measures to manage the challenges inherent in democracy with a view to maximising its enormous benefits.

“We believe that successful professional management of the democratic system would promote a unity of purpose between the governors and the governed and between the people and their representatives.’’

Prof. Liasu Jinadu, a Professor of Political Science, Claude Ake School of Government, University of Port Harcourt said the deepening distance between the country’s political leadership and the generality of the people had been a challenge.

Jinadu, in a paper “ Managing the Challenges of Democracy’’ said there was need for constitutional division of powers and functions between the Federal Government and sub-national units of government.

According to him, recognition, promotion and protection of positive rights such as cultural, economic and social rights, in addition to the customary civil and political rights is needed to advance the course of the nation.

“The massive problem of structural and political culture is characterised by the way state power is used to corrupt enrichment and not for the enhancement and sustainability of human development.

“In Nigeria, democracy has developed around the adoption of federalism as the mechanism for managing diversities particularly ethnic, racial and related citizenship one.

“There should be the establishment of horizontal democracy promoting governance institutions to ensure accountability and transparency in public life, by providing for their insulation from the deployment of political influence.’’

The forum which is organised annually is aimed at proffering solutions to current challenges and ways to move the country forward.

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

Published

7 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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