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We Will Re-Position APC In Oyo State- Sunday Dare

Published

6 years ago

January 1, 2020

…Calls for a United Party

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has lauded the ongoing efforts by the political leaders of the South West, Chief Bisi Akande, Asiwaju Bola, Ahmed Tinubu among others to establish unity and reconcile all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and called on all party stakeholders to hold to the promise of a stronger APC which he says is able to reposition Oyo in the regional and federal political spectrum as a pace setter among the various states.

He stated this in a new year address to party stakeholders in the Oyo state.

He said: “We must as a party move on from past setbacks and disappointments so that we may affix our eye on a brighter future for the party and the state.

“Let us heed the calls of our leaders to come together, work together, mobilize and strategize together. As it is now, we all must take a clear stand. The days for petty calculations are over. You are either in or outside the party. One cannot claim to be inside the party and fail to align with all efforts to resolve the issues that have arisen to affect the operations of our party,” he charged.

Minister added that: “the strength of the APC in the state has never been in doubt, he called on party stakeholders to work in order to make the party stronger.

“We must must act with greater cohesion and strength of purpose. We must build on the developmental legacy established by former Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Eight years of infrastructural improvement and urban renewal opened up Oyo to a new vista of development and changed the face of the state for the better.

“Oyo today has been placed on the path of modernity. No matter what detractors say, we have a track record of achievement that this state has not before experienced. Instead of being stymied by small differences let us use the progress made to compel us ever forward.”

In order to achieve these, he said, “we must discard political lethargy and and unite to reposition Oyo state. As pacesetters it is time to not let anyone other than our own speak for us or lead us”.

“Join me in doing what is necessary to see that Oyo state takes its rightful place nationally. The year 2020 offers us this opportunity. We would be wise to not let it pass but to seize it,” the Minister said.

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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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