Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has emphasized the urgent need for an African country to host the Commonwealth Games, highlighting the continent’s absence as hosts since the inception of the event.
Senator Enoh made these remarks during an important consultative meeting convened by the President of the Commonwealth Federation, Chris Jenkins OBE, which brought together ministers of sports and key stakeholders from across Africa.
The meeting, held at the Lancaster Hotel in Accra on Sunday focused on formulating a robust hosting strategy for Africa.
Expressing concern over Africa’s underrepresentation as a host, Senator Enoh emphasized the crucial role of deliberate will in bringing the Games to the continent.
“It is not a good testimony that Africa has never hosted the Commonwealth Games. It is a matter of will, because even if there are lots of strategies, objectives cannot be achieved without the will,” remarked Senator Enoh.
Highlighting Africa’s prior ambitions to host the Games, Senator Enoh recalled Nigeria’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and its successful hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGOM) in 2003.
“It is not because there has not been a desire, but it is the lack of will from the CGF to bring the hosting to Africa,” stated Senator Enoh.
He further advocated for a resolution to grant Africa the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, stressing that with greater will and commitment, Africa could successfully undertake this endeavor.
Senator Enoh extended gratitude to Chris Jenkins for his visit to Africa, expressing optimism that his tenure as Commonwealth Federation President would mark a significant milestone in the history of Commonwealth sports.
“It is a dark element in the history of the Commonwealth that no African country has hosted the Games,” remarked Senator Enoh, underscoring the importance of rectifying this disparity.
As Africa strives to assert its presence on the global sporting stage, Senator Enoh’s advocacy for the hosting of the Commonwealth Games signals a concerted effort to promote inclusivity and diversity within international sporting events.