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Report Of DOHA Poor Performance: We Will Not Spare Culprits-Sports Minister

Published

6 years ago

October 29, 2019

…Says No Sports Federations Bigger than Ministry

Joel Ajayi

The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has vowed not to in any way spared any persons found culpable in a report submitted by the Committee to unravel the poor Performance of Nigeria’s Athletes at the Recently Concluded World Athletic Championships, Doha Qatar.

It would be recalled last week Minister who was not comfortable with Nigerian athletes performances and known the task ahead regarding the 2020 Olympic which is around the corner inaugurated the committee to appraise the causes and factors responsible for team Nigeria’s performance in, DOHA, Qatar where Nigeria won only one bronze medal.

Minister of the Ministry Mr. Sunday Dare stated this on Monday in Abuja while receiving the report from the Chairman of the committee Professor Ken Angwueje saying that ministry will not shy away from exercising its oversight on sports federations as it pushes for reforms in the running of the sports industry.

Mr. Dare thanked the committee for the level of commitment and patriotism they have exhibited while assuring that the Ministry would go through and come up with an action plan which would ensure that the development of sports, with regards to athletics, does not continue to suffer the fate it has suffered in the recent past.

When asked if ministry is ready to punish anyone found culpable he replied: “if we have boldness to recalled Technical Director Sunday Adeleye while competition is going on and even went ahead to query him, we took another bold step by bringing veteran together in form of committee to unravel the matter, that alone signpost boldness and we will be properly guided.

“We shall not condone incompetence and will fight to still any action against the growth and development of the sports sector.

Minister also warned all the federations to be diligent and discipline in their dealings saying “no federation is bigger than ministry and we shall not bow to any act of indolent and indiscipline from any federation in the interest of the sports.

“Ministry will not exchange its oversight powers when it feels any federation is going wrong.” He said

Presenting 10 copies of the report to the Minister of Youth and Sports, the chairman of the committee Prof. Ken Angwueje said the committee had examined the facts, established the truths and suggested measures to prevent a re-occurrence of the less than impressive performance of team Nigeria at the 17th IAAF World Championship in Doha, while also suggesting ways forward.

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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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