Violence Won’t Hamper Abuja’s 2014 CWG Bid – Chairman
15/08/2007 |
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Days ahead of the visit of officials from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) who will be in Abuja to inspect facilities for the city’s 2014 Commonwealth Games bid, bid committee chairman and former Nigerian leader Yakubu Gowon said “there is a problem (of insecurity) everywhere. Whether (in) Glasgow or London, there is a problem of terrorism. But we believe that we will be able to contain the problem in Nigeria”.
Glasgow is Abuja’s only competitor for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Gowon told journalists in Abuja Monday that the problem in the country's oil-producing Niger Delta region, which has been characterized by kidnappings and attacks on oil facilities, “is a little far remote” to affect the hosting of the Games.
Speaking about the CGF’s visit he said it was to enable the officials “to see what (facilities) we have.
“The 2014 games’ date is getting to the stage where the final decision to select or vote for the city that will host the games is to be either Abuja or Glasgow. And I am sure it will be Abuja. We are making every effort. The bid book has been presented. The evaluation has been carried out. And we are having visitors from various Commonwealth Games Associations visiting Nigeria to see facilities, to see what we have which will help them make up their mind on whether Abuja is suitable and fit to host the Games in 2014. And they would also update themselves about Nigeria’s effort. And I think they will be happy about what we have”.
He said the bid enjoys the support of Nigeria’s President Umaru Yar’Adjua and all Nigerians.
“The President believes it is going to be a good thing. It is going to give Nigeria good publicity. It is going to help develop Nigeria’s infrastructure and sporting facilities. So, I can assure the support from this President is no less”.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games host city will be selected in Colombo Sri Lanka on November 9.
(Source: Gamesbids.com)
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