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Shekarau Pledges Continuous Support To Sports Development In Kano

Published

6 years ago

November 5, 2019

Joel Ajayi

Former Kano State Governor to win the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL in the history of the state, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau has pledged to provide the necessary support for continuous backing of sports growth and development in Nigeria especially Kano State.

The Former Governor gave this assurance on Monday in Abuja when he paid a surprise visit to the 35 coaches selected from Kano state for the National Institute of Sports NIS.

He disclosed that visiting coaches and supporting the laudable initiative would serve as a huge motivation to coaches that will bring growth and development of the sports in the state

While Speaking Senator Shekarau said; “Its very pleasing and delight, I feel happy, by the gesture of Kano FA Football Association who taken this challenge to encourage this young coach to attain the highest level in their carrier of coaching and that is why I am here to support and encourage them and assure them that we are all for them and they have our support and we are going to do everything possible to support them.

“And beyond Kano state, we want to see these coaches both at National and International.

“We gave Kano Pillar all the support all the encouragement, as usual, they go through some challenges here and there but I think they come up we expect them to do more than what they doing now

“I can tell you that over 90% of those who participated in sports is from my constituency, it is of my concern and one of the areas I am endeavoring to intervene through whatever means we have, as the legislature, through any project that will bring to Kano from the central to improve the standard of sporting activities. And Kano pillar will be our central focus.

He added: “I love soccer, I owned a club Shekarau Babes and they are coming up they have been there for one decade or more and they are making a lot of waves and during my tenure as a Governor even, when I was a school principal I gave special attention to development of sporting activities and I am not relent and I will be continually giving the support.

“I always enjoying young men participating in the sporting activities it will give them a lot of courage.”

However, the 35 Coaches were sponsored by the Kano state football Association.

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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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