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Plateau State To Immortalize General Domkat Bali- Minister Eulogizes Former Defence Minister

Published

5 years ago

December 29, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Plateau State Government has indicated interest to immortalize the former Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), late General Domkat Yah Bali (rtd), who died December 4, 2020, at the age of 80.

The State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong disclosed this at the funeral service and interment of the late General. The governor described Gen. Bali as a patriotic Nigerian and a source of pride to Plateau State.

He added that Gen Bali’s good legacies will remain with the people of Plateau for a very long period, noting that “at the appropriate time the State will do the needful to keep his memories alive.”

Dr Simon Lalong maintained that Gen Bali was an advocate of peace who encouraged and promoted diversity, tolerance and harmonious coexistence. According to him, even in the most difficult moments of the state, Gen Bali worked behind the scene to give advice and solutions.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) has showered encomium on the late Gen Bali for his commitment and dedication while serving in the Military as well as his meaningful contributions to peace, development and nation-building.

“Gen Bali had a glorious career in the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces which he served gallantly in different capacities as well as the mentorship of many serving and retired officers,” the Minister noted.

He further explained that the demise of Gen Bali is a sad and trying moment for the AFN and the nation. According to him, “Bali was widely known for his uncommon loyalty to his country.” This he said, is a virtue which Nigeria demands from it’s citizens in this critical period.

Earlier, the CDS, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, said the death of Domkat Bali was a great loss to the AFN, where he rose to the rank of General and occupied the prestigious position of Chairman, Joint Chief of Staff and Minister of Defence, his community, Plateau State and the entire country. According to the CDS, “we are happy to gather in Gen Bali’s honour to celebrate his good legacies.”

The Chairman, Tarok Elders Council, Elder Selchang Miner, described Gen Bali as a man of uncommon humility and modesty which is worthy of emulation by all and sundry.

He further disclosed that “Gen Bali remains one of the greatest gifts to Tarok nation as his leadership style was quite intriguing and unarguably one of the best. He added that the former CDS was an unrepentant peace advocate who stood for peace until his demise.

The Vice President, Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Rev Obed Dashan, in his sermon prayed for God to grant General Bali eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss. He, however, urged Nigerians to be morally upright and committed to ensuring a Nigeria of our dream.

Gen Domkat Bali remains was later laid to rest with full military honour in his family home at Langtang Town in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The funeral ceremony was attended by family members, friends and sympathizers from all works of life, both within and outside the shores of Nigeria, who came to bid the late General farewell.

Among the dignitaries that graced the funeral service and interment were Senator’s Jonah Jang, Jeremiah Useni as well as General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) and former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Jonah Wuyep (rtd). The Chief of Army Staff, Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff were equally represented at the event.

Highlight of the occasion was the laying of wreaths by the Minister of Defence, Gen Bashir Magashi, CDS and the widow of the late General, Mrs Esther Bali who was presented with the National flag by the CDS, Gen Olonisakin.

Born on 27 of February 1940, the late Gen Domkat Bali was admitted into the Nigerian Military College in 1961 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1963. He was appointed Minister of Defence in 1984 and CDS in 1985.

He was a member of the Supreme Military Council from 1980 to1985 as well as member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council from 1985 to 1990 when he retired from military service.

The former Defence Minister who was the pioneer Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, also served as General Officer Commanding, 1st Mechanized Division, Kaduna and 4th Infantry Division, Lagos, as well as Director of Army Training and Operations.

Gen Bali was one time Commander, 6th Infantry Brigade, Akure and the Army Artillery Corps.

During his military career, Gen Domkat Bali attended the Royal College of Defence Studies, United Kingdom.

The Military Veteran is a recipient of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) and Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

The former CDS is the author of the books titled, “War Cries” and “Artillery for Bali.”

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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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