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We will not fold our hands and watch anyone humiliate Senator Ubah- Balele

Published

5 years ago

August 4, 2020

Katsina state FA chairman Aminu Kurfi has called on all state FA chairmen in the country to rally round Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah as he seeks to find a way out of the present political logjam occasioned by the recent ruling from the NFF.

The former chairman of Katsina united football club who is loved in his state for his humility and forthrightness, has challenged all FA chairmen to rise up and speak, stressing, that what is happening in Anambra state today, will happen someday in the other 36 states if something urgent is not done to address the situation.

Balele as he is fondly called by his admirers, will be remembered for putting together a free and fair NFF election in Katsina state. That elective congress which was almost marred by a court order on the eve of the election, later went ahead without any noticeable hitches or protests. All because the NFF congress stood it’s ground despite glaring government interference from the former sports minister, Solomon Dalung.

Today, Dan Arewa looks back to that day with a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment as he attempts to use the knowledge of 2018 to tackle the Anambra FA election crisis.

” Let me tell you that this is clearly an ego war between two old friends. I have spoken with Senator Ubah and i hope to speak with Pinnick as i plan to mediate like an elder statesman in a bid to finding an amicable solution to this crisis”

My message to all other FA chairmen is that, a slap to one, is a slap to all. If the NFF suddenly feels they can rise up from no where and set up a caretaker committee in Anambra state without following due process, then they can as well do thesame thing in the other 36 state FA’s if we allow this to stand”.

“My advice to the NFF chieftains and to senator Ubah, is that they should all sheath their swords and allow peace to reign”

“I hope to have a meeting with senator Ubah tomorrow (Wednesday) in Abuja and then another meeting with the NFF president later this week in a bid to broker peace” he concluded.

The Nigeria football federation are still unrelenting and are bent on going ahead with their proposed plan to inaugurate a caretaker body to run football in Anambra state for the next three months.

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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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