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Women’s Day: Let’s Celebrate, Change Makers, Peace Builders-AUDA-NEPAD

Published

5 years ago

March 7, 2021

Joel Ajayi

Admiration, respect and gratitude to Nigerian Women, their African and global counterparts for the great efforts exhumed beyond their limitations in establishing a more equal future, says Princess Gloria Akobundu, National-coordinator/ Chief Executive officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria.

Akobundu showed the appreciation while reflecting on International Women’s Day , which comes up every 8th day of March and the 2021 edition which has the theme: Choose to Challenge.

In a statement issued by the Media Assistant to NC/CEO, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria Abolade Ogundimu, on Sunday in Abuja expressed that women have always been part of successes achieved by humanity, having given birth and nurtured both men and women, but nature and society seem to have placed some limitations on the female gender.

According to her, the belief that there is limit to how women can advance or achieve greatness in life is a wrong notion that exists only in the minds of individuals or groups that subscribe to it and not a reality.

“Interestingly, the world has witnessed more women chattering the presumed glass ceilings in different spheres of life, making changes and contributing their quota in peacebuilding to the advancement of humanity and the world.

“I join mother of the Nation, Hajia Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as Dame Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs, in celebrating Nigerian women of all time on this special day.

“Women Day is a day of celebrating both living and departed women especially, those that had shown exceptional ability and capacity in attaining greater heights beyond their male counterparts.

“We celebrate Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, new Director-General, World Trade Centre (WTO) becoming the first woman and the first African to occupy the position, just as we celebrate her younger sister, Dr. Njide Okonjo-Udochi, who emerged Family Physician of the Year, in Maryland, U.S.A.

“We also celebrate Hajia Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations, and other women serving in various capacities in the country and beyond.

“They are living mentors that our upcoming youths should emulate and surpass in greatness through commitment and hard work,” she said.

The NEPAD/APRM Nigeria’s Boss remembered women victims of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We at AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria commiserate with women who have paid the ultimate price to COVID-19 pandemic and diseases, may God comfort their loved ones and heal the world from the virus.”

Akobundu commended Women security operatives for sacrificing their comfort for peace of the nation and urged mothers at all levels to rise in support of government and security agencies in ensuring nation’s peace during the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

“I urge Nigerian women to look inward in their quest for a peaceful nation by promoting moral ethics that are capable of fostering peace and security in society.

“In the same vein, Nigerian women in leadership position within and outside the country should not relent in mentoring the younger ones for positive change and `Nigeria We Want`,” she said.

Akobundu also commended President Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders support and recognize the capability of women in attaining a leadership position.

“I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for looking beyond gender in appointing and supporting Nigerians with leadership qualities to serve within and outside the nation.

“We celebrate President’s appointment of Dr Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk, Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development; Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, Minister of State For Environment and other women Cabinet members and heads of parastatals.

“I also commend African leaders for displaying a similar attitude by supporting African women with special capabilities for continental and global positions.

“I salute leaders of women-oriented Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) that have been working with us like Bar Ebere Ifendu, President women in politics foundation, among others” she said.

Akobundu was optimistic that current statistics of two Women Heads of State or in the world would soon be reversed, urging Women Groups and Activists to sustain their campaigns on women development.

The Agency Boss currently serves as Member, AU (African Union)-APRM Taskforce Committee on Governance Response to COVID-19 and other pandemics.

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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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