By JemimahWellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
A CALL for Africa to host the Commonwealth Games for the first time has been made by President Bola Tinubu, who described Nigeria’s 2030 bid as a dream that must be realised.
In a statement released on his official X page, the president said hosting the Games in Nigeria would send a powerful message that the continent is central to the Commonwealth’s future.
He noted that in the 100-year history of the Games, no African country has staged the event, and Nigeria’s hosting would complete what he called the circle of Commonwealth unity.
“To the Commonwealth family, it is time for Africa. After 100 years of the Commonwealth Games, they have never been hosted on African soil.
“By bringing the Commonwealth Centenary Games to Nigeria in 2030, you will send a powerful message that every region of the Commonwealth matters, and that Africa is not only part of the story, but central to its future,” the president stated.
He added: “Nigeria is the gateway. Africa is the stage. The Commonwealth is the family. Let us make history together in 2030. Let us complete the circle of Commonwealth unity. The dream must be realised. The time is now.”
Nigeria is expected to present its final bid before the Commonwealth Games evaluation committee, with the Nigerian delegation led by Shehu Dikko, President of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Bukola Olopade, the commission’s Director-General.
The bid comes after Nigeria formally declared its interest in April to host the 2030 edition in Abuja.
The Nigerian Olympic Committee confirmed that Abuja had been put forward as the proposed host city.
Adding his voice to the pitch, President Tinu
bu reiterated that it is time for Africa to take centre stage in the Games, insisting that Nigeria’s hosting would not only make history but also affirm the continent’s place in the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Games, held every four years, brings together athletes from nations and territories linked historically to the United Kingdom.
Nigeria previously lost its bid to host the 2014 Games, which went to Glasgow, Scotland.
For the 2030 edition, Nigeria and India are the only countries that submitted their bids before the August 31 deadline.
The Commonwealth Games Federation is expected to conclude the bidding process in November.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will also take place in Glasgow from 26 July to 2 August.
Victoria, Australia, was originally announced as the host but later withdrew in 2023, leading to Glasgow being selected as the replacement host city.
President Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s bid for the 2030 Games was not only about hosting a sporting competition but about demonstrating the continent’s role in the Commonwealth’s future.
