President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has passionately renewed Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, emphasizing that it’s time for Africa to host the event for the first time in its 100-year history. In a Tuesday post on his official social media, Tinubu called for global support to bring the centenary Games to Nigeria, highlighting its symbolic importance for inclusivity and Africa’s pivotal role in the Commonwealth’s future.
“Africa has never hosted the Commonwealth Games in its 100-year history. Hosting the 2030 Games in Nigeria will show that every Commonwealth region matters and position Africa at the heart of its future,” Tinubu stated. He described Nigeria as the “gateway” to Africa, urging member nations to back the bid to “complete the circle of Commonwealth unity” and make history together.
Tinubu added, “Nigeria is ready. Africa is the stage. The time is now.”
Key Details:
– Nigeria is vying against India, which has proposed Ahmedabad as its candidate city.
– The Commonwealth Games Federation will select the 2030 host in November 2025 after evaluating bids.
– If successful, Nigeria would become the first African nation to host the Games since their inception in 1930 as the British Empire Games.
– The Commonwealth Games, held every four years, is a major international multi-sport event for Commonwealth nations, only canceled during World War II (1942 and 1946).
– Known for inclusivity, the Games integrate athletes with disabilities into national teams, with their medals equally counted, and were the first global competition to balance men’s and women’s events.
– Australia holds the record for hosting the event five times.
Tinubu’s push underscores Nigeria’s ambition to make history and showcase Africa’s potential on the global stage.
