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Sports Minister Host Victorious Wrestling, Rowing and Canoeing, commends Athletes, Officials

Published

6 years ago

May 1, 2019

The Gleamer

Sports Minister Host Victorious Wrestling, Rowing and Canoeing, commends Athletes, Officials

…Tips Nigerian Wrestler to Shines in Toykyo 2020

Joel Ajayi

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung on Tuesday in Abuja hosted victorious wrestlers and officials who did Nigeria proud at the African Championship recently held in Tunisia.

Also received are the officials and athletes of triumphant canoe team who shone like a million star at the just concluded Canoe Sprint Championship held in Bhopai, India.

To this end , Minister has predicted a successful outing for Nigerian wrestlers at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

In his speech, Dalung noted that wrestling is proving to be one of the strongest sports in Nigeria adding that Nigerian wrestlers have distinguish themselves as a force to reckon with, thus giving the sport an enviable place of pride elevating the country’s image as a top wrestling Nation.

At the continental level, the Nigeria wrestling team placed first in Africa in overall African medals table during the 2015 all African Games held in Congo Brazaville.

In the same vein, the Federation dominated other African countries, particularly the women wrestling where they won the title as African champions at the 2018 African championships which Nigeria hosted for the first time. Furthermore, when Nigeria female wrestlers participated at the two-ranking series event in Germany and Bulgaria in February and March 2109 respectively, their performance was top-notch where Adeoye Adekuoroye was ranked 4th best wrestler in the World and first in Africa.

“Nigerian wrestlers have distinguished themselves as a force to reckon with, thus giving the sport an enviable place of pride and elevating the country’s image as a top wrestling nation.

“The Nigerian wrestling team placed first in Africa on the overall medals table during the 2015 Africa Games held in Congo Brazzaville. Similarly, the Federation dominated other African countries, particularly in women’s wrestling, where they emerged African Champions at the 2018 Africa Championships which Nigeria hosted for the first time. When our female wrestlers participated in the two-ranking series events in Germany and Bulgaria in February and March 2019, their performances created an avenue for our star athlete, Adekuoroye Odunayo to be ranked 4th in the world and 1st in Africa. This success, apart from writing a chapter in the annals of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation history, is an indicator of the possibility of an Olympic Medal in TokyoAlso, in canoeing at African Youth Games in Algeria in 2018, Nigeria topped the medals table for the sport of Canoeing and Kayak 4 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals. Nigeria also won 3 gold and 1 silver medal at the West African Rowing Regatta.

The Federation recorded impressive performances in their international competitions for instance, two home based athletes qualified for the 2018 Youth Games in Argentina where Nigeria was ranked 7th in the world.

Dalung encouraged both Federations to continue to do Nigeria proud as he promised that Federal Government will not seize in discharging its own responsibility.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 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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