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Sustainable Youth Engagement, Leads To Economic Growth-Minister

Published

6 years ago

February 3, 2020

Joel Ajayi

When youths are positively engaged with sustainable economic activities, this will not only ensure socio-economic progress, promotion of National cohesion, peace, and stability but there will be a huge reduction in incidences of crime and juvenile delinquency which are factors inimical to national developmental efforts – strategic positive youth engagement where attributes such as their energy, creativity, adaptability which are beneficial factors that have contributed to the growth and development of Nations globally will be sure avenues for Nigeria’s National development in no distant future.

These were the submission of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare at the closing ceremony of Youth Empowerment Program on Capacity building and Scale-up on Sustainable Livelihood programme in Tailoring and Fashion Design for unemployed youth at the National Youth Development Center Ode-Omu, Osun state. He said the potential of youths if harnessed can transform development efforts positively.

Speaking further, Mr. Dare said to achieve President’s Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to lift 100 million out of poverty in 10 years, the Ministry with its initiative of Youth Empowerment program which has been in operation since 2007 is increasing the number of trained youths annually.

In 2018, 84 youths across the Nation with FCT were trained, also in 2019, another set of 140 participants from the 36 states and the FCT have successfully completed the three weeks training with assisted start-up grants. Among the Youth Centers used for these skill acquisition are the National Youth Development Center, Shere Hills, Jos, Plateau state, Owode-Egba in Ogun State, Batagarawa in Katrina state and Ode-Omu in Osun state where the capacity of youths are being built in diversified Vocational and Agro-Allied Skills for sustainable livelihood for job and wealth creation.

The potential of entrepreneurship to mitigate the problem of youth unemployment cannot be overemphasized, as entrepreneurship is one of the viable solutions to job creation and poverty alleviation. The Minister commended the program where youths are being trained and equipped on entrepreneurship as a viable alternative means of employment and also being well-skilled on the rudiments of how to start and manage their own businesses.

He encouraged the participants to use the opportunity with responsibility and good conduct, bearing in mind always the goal of the programme, which is to empower not only themselves but also other youths in their communities, more so for the social-economic development of Nigeria. He reminded them that officials of the Ministry will monitor their progress periodically to guide and ensure compliance in line with the objectives of the programme.

In her vote of thanks, a female participant from Rivers state, Barrister Okirigwe Megan appreciated the FG and the Ministry, she, however, appealed for an increased number of Youth participation with a more enhanced start-up grant.

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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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