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US Government Selects Aderonke Bello for Global Sports Mentoring Programme

Published

6 years ago

October 14, 2019

US Government Selects Aderonke Bello for Global Sports Mentoring Programme

The US Department of State has selected Journalist and Gender Advocate, Aderonke Bello to attend the Department of State’s Global Sports Mentoring Program, GSMP, the product of a partnership between the Department of State, espnW, and the University of Tennessee’s Center for Sport, Peace & Society.

The GSMP is an international leadership development programme that was launched in 2012 by the US Department of State and consists of two pillars focusing on advancing gender equality – empowering women through sports program, and disability rights.

It is a five-week, immersive mentorship experience that focus on empowering international delegates to serve their communities by increasing access to and opportunities for participation in sports.

Ms Bello, who was recently invited by FIFA for the 2019 Women Football Convention in France was excited for her selection for the program.

According to her, my joy knew no bounds when I received the mail on my selection.

“It was a moment of joy for me, like I have always said, whatever you are doing, people are always watching and taking notes, do the right thing, even when no one is watching, I very much look forward to the program which will not only be beneficial to me but beneficial to other women across the country,” she said.

The Global Sports Mentoring Program is From October 10 to November 19, where leading American female executives in business, education, media, non-profit, and sports sectors will work side-by-side with emerging sports leaders from around the globe, sharing valuable business and leadership skills.

“I want to specially thank the US Department of states and partners, and the US Embassy, Abuja for the nomination and I promise to be a good ambassador for Nigeria and make positive impacts from my experience when I returned,” she concludes.

From October 10 to November 19, leading American female executives in business, education, media, non-profit, and sports sectors will work side-by-side with emerging sports leaders from around the globe, sharing valuable business and leadership skills.

The American mentors will assist the participants in the creation of strategic action plans that will be used to create specific sports opportunities for underserved women and girls when they return home.

Ms Bello’s participation in the program will include travel to Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Texas where she will be mentored by the Head of Media Communications at Saatchi and Saatchi in Texas.

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

Published

7 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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