President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has declared that Nigeria is moving in the right direction as President Bola Tinubu’s reforms are beginning to yield positive results.
The former Akwa Ibom State governor also dismissed claims that Nigeria is “finished” or irredeemable, insisting the country is on the right track under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Akpabio made the appeal in a congratulatory message to mark the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The Federal Government had earlier declared Wednesday, October 1, a public holiday to commemorate the country’s independence from Britain in 1960.
However, in a late announcement on Monday, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation disclosed that the traditional Independence Day parade would no longer be held.
The statement read: “At 65, we are mature and should be working for the unity of the nation and prosperity of our people. We salute your resilience, patience and endurance in the last two years. We deeply appreciate your support and understanding.
“In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘All hands are on deck for a greater Nigeria,’ I urge you to continue to bear the temporary discomfort of the ongoing reforms.
“We are not unaware of the pains occasioned by the reforms. But I want to assure you that very soon, this will be a thing of the past because the benefits of the reforms are beginning to manifest positively.”
Continuing, the Senate president urged Nigerians to endure the pains of the reforms for a little while longer in the interest of the future generations.
Akpabio also dismissed insinuations by critics of the current administration that the country has finished running its course.
“I must tell you that Nigeria is not finished. Do not buy into the mischievous narrative that Nigeria is irredeemable.
“We are on the right pedestal and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration is reshaping the country; we are growing and making progress.
“If we all join hands together to support the reforms, Nigeria will become better and surely get to the promised land,” he stated. (Punch)
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday attributed his absence at the coronation of the former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, to protocol arrangements.
Atiku gave the explanation when he, alongside prominent African Democratic Congress coalition leaders, paid Ladoja a visit at his private residence in Ibadan.
With Atiku were a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyorcha Ayu; ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and other prominent ADC members.
The PUNCH reports that Ladoja was crowned last Friday in a grand ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu and a host of dignitaries.
Atiku clarified that his absence was not deliberate, describing the new Olubadan as a statesman who had played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political history.
“We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we didn’t want to come.”
“We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you.
Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme,”he added.
In his response, Oba Ladoja declared that he had left partisan politics behind, stressing that his new role demanded impartiality. He recalled his long association with Atiku and others during his political years but emphasised his focus on justice and fairness as monarch.
He said,”I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no more one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.
“Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other thing than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.
“We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create identity, I went to Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.
“All the religious leaders, they said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people, Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,” the monarch stressed. (Punch)
Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany where he is scheduled to hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank to explore areas of intervention and partnership in Nigeria’s developmental initiatives.
Nkwocha said that during his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.
The Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, even as he demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.
He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
The statement noted that Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.
He will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany, it added. (Channels)
A former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, and President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, have dismissed as claims by American television host Bill Maher that Nigeria is experiencing systemic killings of Christians.
The two Nigerian political leaders said the allegations misrepresent the country’s security situation, risk inflaming religious tensions, and undermine the progress of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
In a viral video clip, Maher alleged that Islamist groups in Nigeria were behind widespread killings and church burnings over the past decade.
“They are systematically killing the Christians in Nigeria. They’ve killed over 100,000 since 2009, they’ve burned 18,000 churches.
“This is so much more of a genocide attempt than what is going on in Gaza.
“They are literally attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country,” Maher said.
Reacting on X on Sunday, Fani-Kayode described the claims as “disinformation” and part of an orchestrated campaign to malign Nigeria internationally.
He alleged that foreign media were exploiting religious narratives to punish Nigeria for its diplomatic positions, particularly on the conflict in Gaza.
“The allegation by top American television host Bill Maher and American Radio Genoa that 500,000 Christians were murdered by Muslims in Nigeria in the last one year is false.
“It is disinformation that has been pushed out by the Jewish controlled media in America as payback for our position against the genocide in Gaza,” Fani-Kayode wrote.
The former minister warned that such claims could justify external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
“We should expect more of this sort of disinformation from the American media because they want to divide us on religious lines, malign us as Christian-haters before the world and give Trump a reason to call us out and not only sanction but also destabilise and terrorise our country,” he said.
Fani-Kayode also stressed that terrorism in Nigeria is indiscriminate and should not be mischaracterised as a religious war.
“These terrorists make no distinction when it comes to religious faith when they kill our people.
“They are attempting to kill us ALL, whether Christian or Muslim, and we are also fighting back and resisting them as one and in one accord,” he wrote.
He added that Nigeria would not bow to external attempts to sow division, saying,”Nigeria is not Palestine and neither are we cowards.
“We cannot be divided, intimidated, bullied, destroyed or subjected to the same treatment as Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq or Gaza.”
Separately, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, criticised Maher for misrepresenting Nigeria’s security challenges and spreading falsehoods.
“Dear @billmaher, I’m a big fan of your show. However, I was shocked to come across a video clip where you made false claims of systemic killings of Christians or genocide against Christians in Nigeria,” he wrote.
Olusegun said the conflict in Nigeria cannot be reduced to religion, pointing out that the attacks have targeted both Christians and Muslims.
“The simple truth and the verifiable reality is that there is NO SYSTEMATIC KILLING of Christians in any part of Nigeria and certainly there is no attempt to wipe out Christians in Nigeria either.
“These claims are very dangerous falsehoods, even though they are not entirely new narratives always pushed by western forces,” Olusegun stated.
He added that the Nigerian constitution guarantees religious freedom and highlighted President Tinubu’s interfaith household as a model of tolerance.
“Nigeria practices and preaches religious tolerance,” Olusegun wrote, noting that the President, a Muslim, is married to a Christian pastor.
The aide insisted that framing Nigeria’s security crisis as a religious war is misleading and dangerous.
“The victims of insurgents and extremists in Nigeria include both Christians and Muslims.
“Boko Haram and its splinter groups do not represent Islam and have consistently been opposed by Islamic leaders in the country,” Olusegun said. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria’s traditional institutions as sacred custodians of history and vital pillars of national unity.
Speaking on Friday at the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the President said the role of monarchs goes beyond cultural symbolism.
He stressed that they embody the resilience of the people and serve as a bridge between heritage and the future.
“Our traditional institutions are the sacred custodians of our varied history and play a crucial role in social cohesion. They embody the resilience of our people and stand as a bridge between our proud heritage and the promise of our shared future,” Tinubu said in a post via his official X handle.
He congratulated Oba Ladoja on his historic ascension to the throne of his forefathers, describing it as a reward for perseverance, resilience, and service to community.
“I congratulate Kabiyesi on this historic ascension to the throne and pray for his reign to be long, prosperous, and impactful,” the President added.
Tinubu also linked the occasion to his administration’s broader vision, assuring Nigerians that despite the difficulties of ongoing reforms, the country is on the path to stability.
“As we honour our traditions, we also reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger economy and a more secure, united, and hopeful Nigeria. The journey of reform has not been without its tests, but together we have turned the corner, and there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
The President prayed that Oba Ladoja’s reign would bring peace, progress, and pride to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole. (Punch)
No fewer than 1,000 Christian pilgrims on Wednesday departed Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo, for a Holy Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, flagged off the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s 2025 delayed Easter pilgrimage.
Tinubu, who described pilgrimage as “a spiritual journey of faith”, cautioned the travellers against absconding.
The president further described it as a “platform for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth.”
While noting that prayer remained a sustaining force for Nigeria, he reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting religious harmony in the country.
Tinubu said: “I, therefore, urge you to ensure you return with your batch at the end of your pilgrimage so that you can join forces with the government to build an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.
“It is equally germane to reiterate that NCPC, under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has put all mechanisms in place to check abscondment.
“It will interest you to know that the Commission, in all its pilgrimages from December last year to date, has been able to achieve almost zero abscondment, so be warned,” he stressed.
Tinubu emphasised that the theme of the exercise, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which sought to improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.
He acknowledged that some governments’ policies had been tough on citizens, but assured Nigerians that “there will certainly be light at the end of the dark tunnel.”
Tinubu said his achievements in youth empowerment, infrastructure, education, and security, as well as the reductions in insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry, could be traced to the resolve to restore peace in troubled areas.
The President also lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma’s spiritual commitment and sponsorship of 1,000 Christian pilgrims this year, just as he did in 2023.
In a remark, Uzodimma thanked the President for taking a keen interest in the physical and spiritual well-being of the Nigerian citizens and for his commitment to a better country.
The governor admonished the pilgrims to see the exercise as an opportunity to seek the face of God, pray for the state and the country.
“We will work against any abuse. As you journey to the Holy lands, carry Nigeria in your heart, pray for peace, prosperity, unity, and the President for additional wisdom and guidance,” he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Caleb Ajagba, urged the pilgrims not to see the trip as a mere tourist exercise.
Otti encouraged them to ask themselves the question of why they wanted to go on pilgrimage rather than see it as any other journey.
Earlier, Adegbite thanked Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, Uzodimma and Akume for their commitment towards the spiritual upliftment of the Nigerian citizens.
He commended Uzodimma for sponsoring the pilgrims, describing him as “a wonderful governor, leader par excellence, great man by all standards, beacon of hope for Imo, Pilgrimage and Nigeria.”
The NCPC boss also joined in urging the pilgrims to see the trip as purely a spiritual one and apply themselves accordingly.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that prayers were offered for the body of Christ, peace in Nigeria and the Middle East, a successful pilgrimage, and for the president, the governors, and Nigerian leaders. (Punch)
A former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Joy Nunieh, has praised President Bola Tinubu for recognising the Ogoni 13, describing it as a long-overdue step toward justice and reconciliation in the Niger Delta.
PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu has conferred national honours on four additional slain Ogoni leaders, sometimes referred to as the Ogoni 4, bringing the total honoured to Ogoni 13.
Speaking on Arise TV on Thursday, Nunieh recalled that while the Federal Government previously honoured the Ogoni 9 executed under the Abacha regime, the four others, making up the Ogoni 13, were left out.
“Yes, it is. We have called for this for a very long time that the Ogoni 13 should be honoured and when the Ogoni 9 were honoured we were happy, but of course it was incomplete without the Ogoni 4,” she said.
She expressed gratitude that the recognition has finally come, calling it a sign of good governance.
“Yes, it is. We have called for this for a very long time that the Ogoni 13 should be honoured and when the Ogoni 9 were honoured we were happy but of course it was incomplete without the Ogoni 4 and so today we’re very grateful that the Ogoni 13 have been honoured.”
Nunieh, however, urged the Federal Government to go further by issuing a national apology, similar to what she said Australia did for its aboriginal population.
“And of course we asked for a national apology like it’s been done in Australia. President Rudd did that apologising to the aborigines there and so that’s what we’re asking for but today is the first step and we now see that President Tinubu has shown good governance by taking this bold step which nobody had ever done since the crisis and we’re eternally grateful for that,” she said.
The execution of the Ogoni 9, including environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, in November 1995 drew global condemnation and remains one of Nigeria’s darkest chapters.
PUNCH Online reports that earlier in June 2025, President Tinubu granted posthumous national honours and a full presidential pardon to Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other members of the Ogoni 9, nearly 30 years after their execution. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday led tributes as his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, clocked 65, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima, governors, lawmakers and prominent Nigerians extolling her as a symbol of strength, compassion, and service to the nation.
In a moving midnight tribute, the President described his wife as his confidant, counsellor, and steady anchor through decades of political struggle and public service.
“As you celebrate your 65th birthday today, I honour not only the love of my life, but also a woman whose quiet strength and enduring grace have been my steadying anchor,” Tinubu wrote.
He praised her sacrifices during years of political exile and leadership challenges, adding that her support amounted to national service.
“Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know,” he said.
The First Lady had earlier announced that she would dedicate her birthday to raising funds for the completion of Nigeria’s long-delayed National Library project in Abuja.
She urged well-wishers to donate to an “Oluremi@65 Education Fund”.
Vice-President Shettima, in his message, lauded Mrs Tinubu as a “symbol of womanhood, strength, and compassion,” describing her as a mother of the nation whose quiet resilience has touched millions.
“When the history of this administration is written, her name will be inscribed in gold,” he said.
From the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, joined in the celebration.
Akpabio hailed the First Lady as “a pillar of love and strength to her husband, the less privileged and the nation at large,” while Barau described her as a patriot whose contributions to nation-building have spanned decades—from her New Era Foundation in Lagos to her 12 years in the Senate and now through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
State governors also paid glowing tributes.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called her “a great ambassador of our dear state,” praising her philanthropy and public service.
Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji said she remained “a special gift to the nation and a pillar of support to the President.”
Kogi’s Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo branded her “an Amazon and a source of inspiration to millions,” while Delta’s Governor Sheriff Oborevwori commended her empowerment programmes as “a beacon of hope for vulnerable citizens.”
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, though of the opposition PDP, joined the chorus of praise, describing Mrs Tinubu as “an incredible woman of unimaginable importance” who championed women’s rights during her three terms in the Senate.
Other political figures, including Kano NNPP chieftain Musa Kwankwaso and NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji, also showered encomiums, calling her a virtuous woman of integrity and humility.
Born on September 21, 1960, Oluremi Tinubu first came into national prominence as Lagos State First Lady (1999–2007), where she established the New Era Foundation.
She later represented Lagos Central in the Senate for 12 years before becoming Nigeria’s First Lady in May 2023.
Over the years, she has tied her advocacy to education, women’s empowerment and youth development, most recently through her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has launched programmes to support widows, empower small-scale farmers, and provide scholarships and food palliatives to families. (Punch)
Following the devastating inferno that gutted Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island on Tuesday, six additional victims were confirmed dead yesterday, after the initial four persons on the fateful day.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2025 election, Peter Obi, had in separate messages, expressed their condolences to family members, management of Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, United Bank for Africa, UBA, and United Capital Plc over unfortunate incident.
The latest six casualties were employees of United Capital Plc, a financial and investment services firm, situated on the third and fourth floors of the building.
Meanwhile, Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, in a statement earlier, confirmed 10 persons dead.
In her response, titled; “Update on the report of fire incident at Afrialand Towers Broad Street, Lagos,” simply stated, “Further investigation with the Afriland team however, revealed that 10 adults male including female were confirmed dead afterwards.”
Recall that the management and staff of FIRS, had earlier in a statement on Wednesday, by the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, confirmed the death of four staff members to include: Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager) and Mr Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
One of the deceased, Jatto, it was gathered was in the office on the fateful day to hand over officially to his successor after been redeployed to another branch when the tragedy claimed his life.
The raging fire it was gathered by emergency agencies, originated in the inverter room located in the basement of the building while smoke spread across multiple floors and engulfed the structure, trapping occupants in the process.
“It is with a heavy heart that FIRS announces the tragic loss of four of its staff members during the fire incident at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday.
“FIRS is one of the tenants occupying the Towers with our Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office housed on the sixth and seventh floors.
“Our Security and Safety officials quickly mobilized and contacted the fire service as soon as they were alerted. On getting to the scene, thick dark smoke was already billowing out of the building.
“The Management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow over the development. They offer their condolences to the grieving families and are in touch with the families of our departed colleagues whose commitment to excellence, dedication and professionalism were never in doubt. We will provide all the necessary support at this trying time.
“We are working in collaboration with all relevant agencies in Lagos to get to the root cause of the unfortunate incident. While this is going on, we will be reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices in both rented and owned buildings nationwide,” the statement reads.
However, statement by United Capital Plc yesterday, reports came in from another affected firm management, confirming the loss of six members of staff to the tragic incident, raising the total death toll to 10 so far.
A statement by United Capital Plc, made available to the media yesterday confirmed six of its staff dead in the incident.
The statement read in part; “It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide all the support we can to them during this most difficult time.
“We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity. We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.
President Tinubu in a statement by his Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, called for more caution, training, and alertness to avert future occurrences.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the management and staff of Afriland Properties Limited, the FIRS, UBA, and particularly those who lost loved ones in the inferno, and the injured who are currently receiving medical attention.
He commended the emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, first aiders, medical personnel, and members of the public for their quick intervention with their deep sense of responsibility during the evacuation operations.
Tinubu prayed that God Almighty will receive the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to the injured.
Sanwo-Olu who described the tragedy as “unfortunate,” expressed shock over the ugly incident that claimed the lives of people and the destruction of properties.
The Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, in a statement issued on Thursday, said: “It is with a heavy heart that I received news of the fire outbreak. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the management and staff of all the organisations that lost their loved ones in the ugly incident. I wish the injured persons a speedy recovery.”
He pledged the government’s continued support for further prevention and arrest of such ugly incidents.
Obi mourns
“I like to sincerely extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all the families and companies affected by the tragic fire, as well as the traders at Mandilas Market and adjoining plazas along Taiwo Street, Lagos Island, whose stores were engulfed in the fire. It is deeply heartbreaking that valued lives and livelihoods were lost in this devastating incident.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in its reaction, raised alarm over the recent spate of devastating fires in Lagos and called for probe. (Vanguard)
Nigeria on Thursday welcomed the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to Abuja, a major step towards hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, formally received the delegation at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
“What I can assure you is that we’re ready,” Tinubu told the delegation.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to hosting an inclusive, diverse, and world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games on African soil.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Thursday titled, ‘Nigeria ready to host Africa’s First Commonwealth Games in 2030-President Tinubu assures.’
Gbajabiamila, along with a strong Federal Government team of Ministers and senior government officials, held strategic talks with the delegation led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport, and a member of the 2030 Evaluation Commission.
President Tinubu emphasised that the Commonwealth champions unity and diversity, and Africa deserves its moment after nearly a century.
Africa has never hosted the Games since their inception in 1930. Nigeria made an unsuccessful bid to host the 2014 Games. The city of Durban in South Africa won the bid to host the 2022 Games, but could not do so due to financial difficulties. Birmingham in the UK took over and hosted the Games. Thus, Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Games would be historic, Onanuga stated.
In his welcome remarks, Gbajabiamila called on the visitors to savour Nigeria’s renowned hospitality: “You’re very welcome to Nigeria. I hope you enjoy our great hospitality, which we are known for. Mr President also asked me personally to convey his regards; he fully supports this bid.”
“The President has written a Letter of Guarantee to you; his full weight is behind this bid. What I can assure you is that we’re ready. We’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this. It’s been almost 100 years. The games have not been held on any soil in Africa.
”The element of inclusivity is what the Commonwealth is, and we hope that will benefit us,” he stated.
President Tinubu stressed that his administration has set some bold reforms to reposition sports, having realised its role as a strategic driver of national development.
He added that he scrapped the Ministry of Sports and replaced it with the National Sports Commission in the bid to drive sports development.
The President further assured the delegation that all infrastructural, security, and hospitality needs will be met ahead of schedule.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s bid is not just about hosting but also leaving a legacy for youth and national development.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, made a strong case for Nigeria over India, stressing that Africa has 22 Commonwealth nations, and Nigeria, as the continent’s giant, deserves the honour.
“One thing I want to assure you is that the President sees the hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, if we win the bid, as a celebration of the country’s growing force in sports, beyond just participation.”
President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, Habu Gumel, said the country is ready to host an environmentally sustainable Games.
Chairman of the Bid Committee, Mainasara Illo, presented Nigeria’s proposal, highlighting key plans and innovations.
He revealed that Nigeria proposes 15 sports, with football introduced to boost excitement, global visibility, and audience engagement.
Director of Games and Assurance, Darren Hall, thanked President Tinubu and the Nigerian team for their warm welcome.
“I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavours, including sports.”
He said the Commonwealth, now comprising 56 nations, aims for greater diversity as it approaches its 100-year milestone.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, Minister of Aviation, Festus Kayamo, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, attended the meeting and made statements in support of the bid.
Nigeria and India are the two official bidders for the 2030 Games, with Abuja and Ahmedabad, in Gujarat, as their proposed host cities.
After a thorough evaluation of both bids, the Commonwealth Games General Assembly will decide the host city in November 2025.
PUNCH Online reports the next Commonwealth Games will be held in 2026 across four venues in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2. (Punch)
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