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Stakeholders Harp On Collaboration At DHQ National Security Summit

Published

5 years ago

March 22, 2021

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) has urged stakeholders and the general public to support and collaborate with the Armed Forces and security agencies in the task of ensuring national security.

The Defence Minister made the appeal in Abuja on Monday, at a National Defence and Security Summit themed, “Promoting Kinetic Operations as a major Plank for Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency in Nigeria” organized by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

In a press statement issue by the Acting Director Defence Information Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in Abuja minister noted that the current security situation required the understanding, buy-in, support and collaboration of relevant stakeholders and key players in this strategic option and national task.

This, he said is important to minimize distractions and maximize civil support in order to enhance operational success and mission outcomes.

According to him, the Federal Government (FG) has over the years leveraged on a multi-lateral approach with contiguous neighbouring countries as well as multi-dimensional efforts domestically to address, what he described as the multi-dimensional nature of the contemporary security situation.

He lauded the DHQ for organizing the summit at a time the country is confronted with numerous security challenges. He reaffirmed the FG’s commitment to defending the sovereignty and unity of the country.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor in his remarks, disclosed that in line with Presidential directives, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is already working arsidously to urgently stabilize the security situation.

The Defence Chief, pointed out that the security summit was aimed at sensitizing and galvanising support among critical stakeholders and the general public for AFN kinetic campaigns. Speaking on Non kinetic perspective of AFN operations, the CDS averred that it is crucial to promote viable Civil-Military Relations structures in support of the kinetic operations. He enjoined all stakeholders and the public to support the drive. He also called for more synergy between the AFN and other security agencies.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations (CDTOPS), Maj Gen Lasisi Adegboye, said the theme was coined to reflect the need for the input of diverse stakeholders in addressing current security realities.

The CDTOPS explained further that the theme was equally in tandem with the leadership focus of the CDS, “To Foster a Professional Armed Forces capable of effectively meeting Constitutional Imperatives.”

The only lecture at the summit titled “Kinetic Operations as a Major Plank for Counter Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency in Nigeria: Issues, challenges and Prospects was delivered by Ambassador Abdullahi Omaki who was the guest speaker at the event.

The Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeayin Okowa, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Godswill Akpabio, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipre Sylva, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd), and Chairman House Committee on Defence. Honourable Benson Babajimi.

Also in attendance were the incumbent and former service chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, representative of Chief of Staff to the President, former Chairman of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, traditional rulers, the academia, diplomats and media executives.

A virtual audience including the Chairman of Governors’ forum Mr Kayode Fayemi and other major stakeholders joined the Security Summit via zoom.

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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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