President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to hosting the first-ever Commonwealth Games on African soil in 2030.
Tinubu expressed this commitment through Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), during a welcoming event for members of the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee in Abuja, as part of Nigeria’s ongoing bid process.
Mallam Dikko stated that President Tinubu is dedicated to bringing the Games to Africa for the first time, describing the initiative as “a major step toward inclusivity in the Commonwealth sporting community.”
“We are very pleased to welcome you to Nigeria,” Dikko emphasised, highlighting Nigeria’s seriousness in hosting the 2030 Games and showcasing the beautiful city of Abuja along with its facilities.
“One thing I want to assure you is that the President views the hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, should we be successful in our bid, as a celebration of the country’s emerging status in sports, beyond mere participation,” he added.
The director-general of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, noted that Nigeria’s bid encompasses all the essential components required to secure the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
“The key elements of a bid of this magnitude are facilities, political will, private sector backing, and the passion of the people. This bid incorporates all of these elements and much more to demonstrate our seriousness,” Olopade stated.
“We have assembled a very strong bid committee led by Mainasara Illo, alongside a robust bid document. Hence, we are optimistic that with the ongoing engagements with the Commonwealth Games Bid Evaluation Committee, led by Darren Hall, throughout their visit, we will take another significant step towards Nigeria winning the rights to host the 2030 Games,” Olopade added.
In a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to hosting the 2030 Games, Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, hosted the Commonwealth Games delegation on behalf of President Tinubu.
Attendees at the meeting included nine members of the Federal Executive Council, such as Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Chairman of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission Charles Ebuebu, and other senior government officials.
The Commonwealth Sport delegation was comprised of Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance and a member of the 2030 Evaluation Commission; Ann-Louise Morgan, CS Director of Sport; and Ezera Tshabangu, CS Regional Development Manager for Africa and Europe.
