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We Are Interfacing With PTF For Safe Re-opening Of Orientation Camps-NYSC

Published

5 years ago

October 13, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of NYSC Brigadier-General Ibrahim Shuaibu has revealed that the scheme is working tirelessly with the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 to ensure the reopening of NYSC Orientation Camps nationwide.

Brigadier-General Shuaibu gave this assurance on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2020 NYSC Freedom of Information Act FOIA Desk officers’ Training workshop.

NYSC Boss who was represented by the Director Human Resources Management Hajiya Habiba Bappah expressed that, lives of the Corps members are paramount to the Scheme.

According to him, let me seize this opportunity to assure the general public that the lives of the Corps members are paramount to the Scheme.

“We are interfacing with the Presidential Task Force (PTF) for the safe reopening of our orientation camps in compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

“I wish to reiterate however that unqualified persons will not be allowed to participate in the programme as adequate measures are already in place to arrest and prosecute individuals that may attempt to do so.

“It is pertinent to inform you that in spearheading the fight against fake graduates especially foreign-trained ones, we had a meeting with foreign Corps producing institutions and adopted measures to curb the trend.

“We also introduced physical and online verification exercises which resulted in the arrest and prosecution of culprits.” He assured.

Speaking on the FOIA for the Scheme’s Desk Officer’s Director-General said that the training is in furtherance of Management’s efforts at enhancing the competence of staff for higher productivity in line with the extant provisions of the FOI Act.

“Since 2011, The NYSC has remained committed to the successful implementation of the FOI Act in compliance with the Government’s directive on the domestication of the Act by all Ministries, Department, and Agencies (MDAs).

“This is in addition to the prompt response to all FOI requests as well as a timely rendition of annual reports to the Federal Ministry of Justice. Management will continue to sustain this practice and ensure that our FOIA Desk Officers are adequately trained and equipped with relevant working materials to facilitate optimum discharge of their responsibilities.

“NYSC has, over the years, operated an effective feedback mechanism which ensures prompt response to all enquires in line with the FOIA.

“All information about the operations of the NYSC and its activities are regularly publicized and updated on the scheme’s websites, social media platforms as well as the traditional media. We have also recently reintroduced the ‘NYSC Half Hour’ magazine programme on NTA and Armed Forces Radio. This has projected the scheme as one of the best performing agencies in the FOIA compliance ranking.”

While commending the commitment and resourcefulness of the Desk Officers as well as the entire workforce of the scheme which significantly contributed to the height we have attained so far; he urged them to re-double their efforts in the discharge of their duties in order to realize the scheme’s target of becoming the leading agency in FOIA compliance.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Adeyemi congratulates all on the achievements so far recorded in the implementation of FOIA in the Scheme.

According to her, our target is to be the best in the next compliance and transparency ranking.

“The Scheme is among the first government agencies to commence implementation of the Freedom of Information Act with the appointment of Desk Officers who have ensured NYSC’s adherence to the provisions of the law both at the National Directorate Headquarters and the 36 States/FCT Secretariats.

She equally said that the training will equally, provide the requisite platform for them to interact and rub their minds on challenges, they face in the course of discharging their duties.

On his own, one of the Speakers, the International training of the trainers on Anti-Corruption Mr. Abiodun Adebanjo in his topic: Enthroning a culture of openness in the public the sector through proper implementation of the FOIA said: “disclosed that for and desk officers’ to perform optimally they need to imbibe the culture of openness transparently and accountability.

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

Published

6 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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