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We Need Standard Floor, Gymnast cries to FG

Published

6 years ago

May 29, 2019

We Need Standard Floor, Gymnast cries to FG

Agency Report

Disturbed by the state of gymnastic facilities in the federal capital territory, a gymnast gold medalist, Helen Ocheke has appealed to the Federal Government to support the Nigeria Gymnastics Federation (NGF) with standard floor to help prepare the nation’s contingent for the upcoming African Games in Morocco.

Ocheke made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja saying that the Gymnasium floor at the National Stadium had become obsolete for floor exercise.

She said that all the equipment in the gymnasium had also become outdated.

She said the floor mats were no longer good, adding that gymnasts were ready to make the country proud at the African Games.

Ocheke said: “We are looking forward to represent the federation, we will do our best when we get there and work hard to win medals by God’s grace.

“The floor mats are not the best, we are just risking and managing them because we did not have any other means we will manage what we have.

“We need to intensify our training now that the federation has organised the National Open Championship to select gymnasts that will represent the federation.

“We need to train harder, better so that we will come out in flying colors.”

She also urged the Federal Government (FG) and Ministry of Sports to support and send gymnasts on training tour ahead of the games.

“We need the total support from the FG and ministry of sports so that they can achieve their aim.

“We have better gymnasts that are coming from abroad with high spirit and determination to make the federation and the country proud.

“We want the FG to support us by sending us on training tour to be well trained and get used to the weather over there and the type of equipments they have,” Ocheke said.

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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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