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Robert Akpenpuun Congratulates Newly Elected Vandeikya LG Chairman

Published

5 years ago

May 31, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Vandeikya Local Government Football Council Chairman in Benue state, Mr. Robert Akpenpuun, has congratulated the new elected Chairman of Vandeikya LGA, Madam Tyoer Kukase, over her victory in the last Saturday’s elections.

Just on Saturday, Mrs. Kukase of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared winner, unopposed, by the BSIEC on May 31st, along 23 other LGs Chairmen.

Reports had it that the elections were conducted in 23 Local Government Councils, across 276 council wards of the state.

Announcing the results of the polls on Sunday in Makurdi, BSIEC Chairman, Joseph Loko, declared all 23 chairmanship positions in the polls won by the PDP including 276 councilors.

Loko commended the BSIEC officials for the smooth conduct of the polls and directed all elected Chairmen and Councilors to report to the Commission’s office in Makurdi on June 1st, for their Certificates of Return.

Mr. Akpenpuun, in a congratulatory message issued, described Mr. Kukase’s victory as a demonstration of people’s confidence in his ability to perform.

According to Vandeikya LG’s FA Chairman, ‘I want to welcome on board the newly (unopposed) but duly elected Chairman of Vandeikya LGA, Madam Kukase .T Garba.

“You have severally demonstrated your dogmatic spirit of hanging-in-there throughout your political perseverance, and through the entire process of finding the right person to mount the seat after Ibrahim Anor.

“Those of us who are close to the scene could testify to the mileage that you covered, and I believe that – this is because you have the interest of Kunav people at heart.

“Kunav people also believe that you ventured into the race because you have travelled round Kunav land during your previous political agitations, and you should know how to usher in development to Kunav Land, if given the chance.

“I personally love your courage which is anchored on the motto that what men can do, women can also do them better.

“It is on this note that Kunav people came to a consensus to allow you as a woman, against all odds, to be our designated pilot for the next 2 years.

“In leadership, no man is an island on its own, and as a pioneer member of Kunav Unity Forum, you should know that we shall always support you with good ideas as one of our own, because we envisage you as the phase 1 embodiment of KUF development aggitations for Kunav Land.”

The statement added that: “Please bear in mind that you have a huge task ahead (and we expect you to roll up your sleeves and hit the ground running, right after swearing in. Please, do not alienate nor distance yourself from the people that projected you to the top, as you may one day need them for remedy plans if by chance you hit pockets of resistance in some communities.

“As you are aware, members of KUF have their ears on the ground, and good brains in their head, they have the ability to write your account of stewardship based on an undisputed KPI, please never take it personally if they encourage you to do better, because these are the same people who will project you, if you are performing better and delivering the proverbial goose to Kunav People.

“We are not going to say much for now, we are only going to fasten our seat belts and carefully monitor your cruising altitude, as our designated pilot.*

“KUF is saying – Goodluck, may God bless you, grant you wisdom, and knowledge to be a true symbol of good leadership in Vandeikya.”

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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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