The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to bringing the Commonwealth Games to Africa for the first time in history, with Abuja 2030 positioned as a landmark bid.
During a visit by the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee in Abuja, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade assured the delegation of Nigeria’s readiness and determination to stage a world-class Games.
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Dikko, speaking on behalf of the government, emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment, describing the effort as “a major step toward inclusivity in the Commonwealth sporting community.”
“We are very happy to welcome you here in Nigeria, stressing our seriousness to host the 2030 Games and show you around the beautiful city of Abuja and our facilities. 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,” Dikko said.
Director General Bukola Olopade also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s bid, highlighting its strong foundation.
“The key elements of a bid of this magnitude are facilities, political will, private sector backing and the passion of the people. This bid has all of these elements and much more to prove our seriousness,” he said.
Olopade further noted that a robust bid committee led by Mainasara Illo has already put together a comprehensive document to convince the evaluation team, headed by Darren Hall, that Nigeria is ready.
In a further demonstration of government support, Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, hosted the Commonwealth delegation on behalf of President Tinubu, in the presence of nine Federal Executive Council members, including Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal.
The visiting Commonwealth Sport delegation included Darren Hall (Director of Games and Assurance), Ann-Louise Morgan (Director of Sport), and Ezera Tshabangu (Regional Development Manager for Africa and Europe).
If successful, the Abuja 2030 Games will make history as the first-ever Commonwealth Games hosted on African soil, marking a milestone not only for Nigeria but for the entire continent.
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