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Sports Minister Breaks 10 Year Jinx As ANOCA Secretariat Is Commissioned

Published

6 years ago

November 14, 2019

…IOC Name Nigeria Olympic Capital of City Africa

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare broke a ten-year jinx as he led an international delegation with the President of the International Olympics Committee (IOC), Dr. Thomas Bach to commission the Secretariat of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa ( ANOCA).

This even as President, International Olympic Committee, Mr Thomas Bach officially named Nigeria as the Olympics headquarters of Africa.

Speaking at the Commissioning of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) with building on Thursday in Abuj Abuja Minister described the event as “a landmark in the development of sports on the continent of Africa.

According to him, It is a day that the entire black race should be proud of.

“And as Nigerians, we are proud to be a major contributor to the actualization of this day.

“Aside the obvious fact of the Commissioning of the Building that would from today be the administrative and technical hub of sports administration on the continent, we also have in our midst, the leaders of the world governing body for sports, ably led by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Dr. Thomas Bach.

“The journey to this day started some 13 years ago when Nigeria alongside 6 other African countries bided to host the Headquarters of ANOCA and become the Olympic capital of Africa. After a rigorous selection process, Nigeria was eventually selected as the Host Country for the umbrella body of the Olympic movement in Africa at the General Assembly, which took place in Kenya in June, 2006.

“With the selection and signing of the Headquarters Cooperation Agreement on February 21, 2007, the ANOCA Secretariat, hitherto in Yaoundé, Cameroon was moved to Abuja, Nigeria.

“While biding as a Host Country, the Federal Republic Nigeria had promised to build a benefiting Headquarters for the continental body. On the road to fulfilling that promise, the foundation laying ceremony for the building was performed on July 6, 2009, by Dr. Jacques Rogge, the immediate past President of the International Olympic Committee.

“I must say we are indeed lucky to also have present here today to commission the building, the current President of the IOC, Dr. Thomas Bach.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the commitment of Nigeria to the completion of this edifice has been unwavering. It is for this reason that the Federal Government ensured the continued funding of the project from inception to completion.

“It is my sincere hope that the vision for which the project was executed would be achieved for the benefit of all Stakeholders,” he said.

The Minister, who earlier conducted the IOC delegation around the MKO Abiola Stadium, revealed that “After 10 years of trying to get approval for the domestication of the anti-doping bill, yesterday the Federal Executive Council approved the domestication of that convention, that is historic.”

While Speaking IOC Scribe Back commended Nigeria Government for their efforts in promoting sports in the Continent.

“Today, we are writing a sport history with the inauguration of the magnificent headquarters. You are establishing Abuja the capital of sports in Africa. With the inauguration, you are setting a new milestone of development of sports.

“You all know how close Africa is to Olympic movement. I am honored to share this historic moment with the entire Africa. This building is motivation, inspiration for the unity of sports in Africa,” he said.

He further expressed his belief in the Nigerian sports c community who according to him have kept the Olympic spirit alive.

“What impressed me most is seeing how much the Olympic spirit is alive here in Nigeria. I had meetings with the schools, athletes, government officials and I saw everyone living with the spirit. The athletes I spoke to have the attributes of true champions.

“The Vice President, Sports minister and every other government officials recognize the contributions of sports to a better society and a better future for the youths in the country,” he stated

Meanwhile, about 54 Africa Olympics President and many well meanings Nigerian graced the historic occasion.

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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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