Abuja 2014 Commonwealth Games Bid [Archive]

Tbite

June 21st, 2007, 08:12 AM

From The PDF...

Overview of the Sporting Venues
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/Overview.jpg

Maitama Cluster
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/MaitamaCluster.jpg

The Maitama Sports and Commercial Complex is part of this cluster. The squash Centre and the Bike Circuit make up the rest of the cluster. The facilties in the Miatama Sports Complex, Squash Centre and Bike Circuit will be used for Gymnastics, Squash and Mountain Biking Respectively.:)

CityGate Cluster
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/CityGateCluster.jpg

Games Village Training Center
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/GamesVillageTrainingCenter.jpg

Mountain Bike Circuit
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/BikeCircuit.jpg

Maitama Sports Complex
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/MaitamaSportsComplex2.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/Maitamasports.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/MaitamaSportsComplex.jpg

Cycling Road Circuit
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/CyclingRoadCiruit.jpg

Abuja Football Stadium
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/AbujaFootballStadium.jpg

It will be used to stage the Rugby Sevens matches. It has a capacity of 15,000.

Marathon Circuit
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/MarathonCircuit.jpg

National Stadium Swimming Pool
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/Swim.jpg

Commonwealth Games Village

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/GamesVillage.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/GamesVillage-1.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/Plan-1.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/Text.jpg

9yja

June 21st, 2007, 11:30 AM

Good post!If It turned out ok in the end that's when we can actually celebrate,let's just hope they would got us right,africa's time is now.Sporting event like these helps improve Infastructures.

iluvnaija

June 21st, 2007, 01:23 PM

thats true n i'm sre nigeria is capable of hosting the event to world levels

CentraLine

June 22nd, 2007, 01:55 PM

140 days till decision day 9th November 2007. I think Glasgow is going to get the nod.

Tbite

June 22nd, 2007, 02:44 PM

^^ Just don't bet your house or anything else of much value. I wouldn't want to see you homeless because of ignorance.:lol:

iluvnaija

June 22nd, 2007, 04:14 PM

oi centraline u still hangin round the ssc forum...get lost if u aint got notin gud ta say

iluvnaija

June 22nd, 2007, 04:14 PM

why ddnt u cme bac ta say notin on the other forum eh

9yja

June 22nd, 2007, 09:28 PM

^^ Just don't bet your house or anything else of much value. I wouldn't want to see you homeless because of ignorance.:lol:
I wouldn't want to loose my money cos i'm not too sure of what is written in their surveillance books!:lol:

CentraLine

June 22nd, 2007, 10:07 PM

Matthias Offodile

June 22nd, 2007, 11:10 PM

Centraline, again someone looking for provocation!

Centraline, we got your message: "Africa the dreafully poor, rotten and hopeless bullshit continent drowning in endless filth, war, Aids and corruption for eternity!" Are you happy now? So I am !

So please go back from where you come now if your only contribution is pointing to the negative! So bye bye :wave:

DennisRodman

June 23rd, 2007, 01:32 AM

Centra is gonna get banned soon...keep it up son.

DennisRodman

June 23rd, 2007, 01:35 AM

Guys I understand your hostility, it's because the truth hurts & deep in the back of your minds you all know that I am right. Africa is the poorest continent on Earth & is the only continent to have had negative growth this century so forgive me for doubting any African countries ability to host a major sporting event.

I bet you like to see africa that way.....shows ur ignorance and arrogance.....people like you dont want africa to rise from poverty...u wanna spit and say shyt about it....But i hope Abuja does get the games...and south africa host a successful world cup so u can shove it up ur ass u ignorant fool. If ignorance is a bliss then you must be orgasmic.

CentraLine

June 23rd, 2007, 10:09 AM

Good luck!

9yja

June 23rd, 2007, 11:58 PM

shots of national stadium(abuja)
___________________________
http://www.koaconsultants.com/images/DSC00452%20-%20medium.jpg
____________________________
http://www.koaconsultants.com/images/DSC00453%20-small.jpg
_________________________________
http://www.koaconsultants.com/images/Sports%20Hall%20-%20medium.jpg
____________________________________________
http://www.koaconsultants.com/images/Swimming%20Pool%20-%20medium.jpg

CentraLine

June 30th, 2007, 11:00 PM

9yja

July 1st, 2007, 01:04 AM

lol...visit the website.I mean Abuja Aquatic Centre and Entertainment Centre Hall or basketball court.

Rdokoye

July 1st, 2007, 02:04 AM

Good luck!

Buzz off...What is your purpose here?

9yja

July 1st, 2007, 09:23 AM

GLASGOW AIRPORT WAS ATTACKED YESTERDAY AND SAID TO BE TERROR PLOT!

9yja

July 7th, 2007, 01:14 PM

Games 2014: Why Abuja should be voted

By Osaretin Emuze
Posted to the Web: Saturday, July 07, 2007

In November, the host for the 2014 Commonwealth Games will be announced. The battle was reduced to two, Glasgow, Scotland and Abuja, Nigeria following the withdrawal of Halifax, Canada.

As a Nigerian, my heart goes for Abuja, so are many other Nigerians and Africans who are members of the Commonwealth of Nations from South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Gambia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, among others.

The bid committee led by General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former head of state, has done noble in its quest to convince the executive members of the Commonwealth Games Federation, by presenting a fantastic bid during the last Commonwealth Games held in Australia, and recently in London.

Having done excellently well in both presentations, one would have thought the organizers of the event would announce Abuja without blinking an eye but it goes beyond that as Glasgow is breathing down our neck with their near perfection presentation.

I have my fears and reservations as the organizers may be sentimental when picking the host city because sports and politics can never be separated in matters like this.

Besides that, what is the difference between England and Scotland? The head of the Commonwealth, which is the Queen of England, controls the British empire. Each time I look at the two cities bidding to host the Games, my heart skips because Glasgow may just niche it because of the people that make up the executive board that would vote.

The question that has been bothering my mind is why Glasgow? May be if it were other cities, that judgement would have been fair. But something tells me Abuja may just win the bid in order to complete the circle of the Games, other continents having hosted it in the past.

Again, 2014 being the year that Nigeria would be celebrating 100 years of nationhood, it would be nice to commemorate the event with the hosting of the Commonwealth Games.

The Games, which fosters unity amongst former British colonies, has gone round other continents except Africa that played prominent role during the dark days. When former President Olusegun Obasanjo seized the bull by the horn in 2003 to bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, many Nigerians supported the former General because 2014 would be the centenary cerebration of Nigeria.

That singular act of Baba Iyabo four years ago, is nearing the final stretch and it is the same Oyibos that colonized, maimed our people and discriminated against early Nigerian nationalists like Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Tafawa Balewa, that would decide our fate again.

It beats my imagination to see Nigeria, Africa’s representative in the bid living in fears, as to whether the bid will sail through. The Bid committee has done pretty well in their presentations and preparations. General Gowon should be commended for steering the ship to where it is presently, hopefully enough to guaranty Nigeria the hosting right.

The Commonwealth Games Chiefs, should take a cue from FIFA President Sepp Blatter who supported Africa’s candidature for the 2010 World Cup and ensured that the continent got it. Nigeria should be supported since it carries the African bid. Favouring Glasgow at the expense of Abuja will tantamount to denying Africa the right to the so called ‘commonwealth’ that exist only on paper following the way other countries in the Commonwealth treat their African brothers particularly Nigerians.

These days, it takes a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than Nigerians, who are members of the Commonwealth to secure visas to Commonwealth countries, which to me is one of the reasons for the formation of the Commonwealth of Nations. To Canadian, British and Australian High Commissions, getting visa to visit the core nations in the Commonwealth is like asking God to come down to earth.

While the waiting game continues, may I use this opportunity to appeal to the Queen of England whose people amalgamated the Southern and Northern protectorates in 1914 and named it Nigeria, to mediate in our favour so that we can celebrate the 100 years in grand style.
Anything short of that would mean Nigerians and their African brothers have been used and dumped. Africa can not continue to lose all the time. The evil of colonialism would be put behind us if we win the 2014 bid that will serve as reparation for Africa.

Scotland has hosted it in the past and should be told to step down. It is never too late. Africa and Nigeria deserve this and should be supported. Even if Abuja fails to meet the standard set now, seven years is enough for the country to put things right.

The chairmanship of General Gowon is enough to tell the Queen and other members that Nigeria is serious about hosting the Games in 2014. Aside that, the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and President Umar Musa Yar’Adua are in total support of the bid and would do everything to see the country host the Games.

The Vice President Goodluck Jonathan while receiving the Commonwealth Evaluation Committee team led by John Thierny earlier this month, assured them that government was in total support of the bid. He promised the people that all Nigerians were behind the bid and that if given the nod, government would provide the enabling environment for the Games to be staged successfully.

A recent survey showed that over 80 percent of Nigerians are in support of Abuja hosting the Games. Also the recent gesture of the Bid committee to give all the athletes coming for the Games free accommodation and feeding is a good incentive to motivate the executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation , to pick Abuja ahead of Glasgow.

The events in the Niger Delta and other states in the country should not be used in deciding the fate of Nigeria because the host city is Abuja, where peace and tranquility reigns.
Nigeria and the rest of Africa have paid their dues. The 2014 Games would be the only way to compensate them for their unalloyed support for Commonwealth since its inception about four decades ago.

9yja

July 7th, 2007, 02:01 PM

Officials of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Nigerian officials inspecting facilities at the new site for the proposed 2014 Commonwealth Games Village on Friday.
________________
http://www.tribune.com.ng/07072007/images/fp.jpg

friendsofthecity

July 15th, 2007, 06:40 PM

so,what's new on this one---the inpsecting of facitities?

Jim856796

August 2nd, 2007, 02:09 PM

Abuja has planned some transportation improvements for the Commonwealth Games. As seen in the Candidature File, there is only one rail line in Abuja and it only reaches to the Airport. The Metro system has 5-6 lines. And Abuja International Airport will build a new international terminal.

pappy

August 3rd, 2007, 12:04 PM

pappy

August 3rd, 2007, 12:12 PM

popa1980

August 4th, 2007, 01:07 AM

Well I hope my dear city of Glasgow wins...Its what I call home.

pappy

August 4th, 2007, 03:35 AM

Well I hope my dear city of Glasgow wins...Its what I call home.

Glasgow will probably win...

Tbite

August 4th, 2007, 08:14 AM

I think Abuja has a good Chance of Winning.

Abuja's Facilities are more than Capable.

Only a couple of months to go.

adebayoa

August 4th, 2007, 03:20 PM

Well for those who want Glasgow to win, I must say that Glasgow has more vices than Abuja. It is the Murder capital of the Western world, higher than New York, Detroit, Los Angeles and Johannesburg. It has witnessed a terrorist attack recently. I bet if these happened to Abuja, the whole Western press will be talking about it.

paddylo

August 9th, 2007, 08:26 AM

Murder capital paints itself the wrong shade of black

Despite attempts at rebranding, the real Glasgow is still a violent city

Lorna Martin, Scotland editor
Sunday April 11, 2004
The Observer

At the end of a cul de sac in the east end of Glasgow, in broad daylight and just a mile from his home, Duncan Harrison was executed at the wheel of a silver Mercedes.
A neighbour discovered the bloody body of the 46-year-old father of three slumped over the dashboard. Police believe he had been forced to drive to the place before being shot in the head.

Hours later, in a flat in Springburn, another of Glasgow's poverty-stricken estates, Paul McEnhill, 21, was stabbed to death, allegedly in a drunken argument.

Two kinds of murder; one typical Saturday night in Scotland's largest city. The sad truth is that there was nothing unusual about either of last weekend's killings - gangster-style shootings and alcohol-induced stabbings occur too often in Glasgow to take up many column inches.
The city is now the murder capital of western Europe. In the first three months of this year, 18 men, women and children were murdered, pushing the homicide rate to 9.4 per million of the population - twice as high as London, and greater than Manchester, Belfast and New York.

Glasgow is desperately trying to alter its image and has launched a marketing campaign, using £1.5 million from Glasgow City Council and the local tourist board, and almost £750,000 of European funds. The year-long advertising blitz wil try to rebrand the city as a cool, cosmopolitan metropolis to lure tourists. But in the four weeks since the campaign began there have been eight murders in and around the city. The most high-profile involved the abduction and murder of 15-year-old Kriss Donald in Pollokshields. Two men have been arrested and a warrant issued for a third man.

The city has recently been blighted by gruesome gang battles - many allegedly involving the Shielders gang whose members have severed body parts from live victims.

As fears grow that Glasgow will revert to its 'No Mean City' days of ferocious gang warfare and random violence, more are now arguing that the money for the campaign would have been better spent on underlying problems.

Funding for a zero-tolerance drive against violence, like that carried out in New York, and a crackdown on binge drinking would be a step in the right direction, says Professor Vince Egan, course director for postgraduate forensic psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University and a chartered forensic and clinical psychologist

'Yes, Glasgow has trendy restaurants, sushi bars and shops, but it also has the lowest life expectancy in Britain and proportionately more murders than anywhere else in western Europe. Seventy per cent of people in Glasgow live in publicly owned houses, not in trendy loft apartments. My fear is that PR types encourage Glasgow to turn its back on, or at least marginalise, very real and continuing problems.'

An escalation in the violence seems inevitable, not just among disaffected youth but also as gang bosses fight for control of the south side and its lucrative drugs trade. A power vacuum has existed in the area since the death last year of one of the city's brightest, most feared gangsters, Stewart 'Specky' Boyd.

Last month two men were shot in a pub as they talked to Tam 'The Licensee' McGraw. McGraw has been named as one of the UK's most powerful and richest gangsters, with legal assets worth over £30m, including property developments across Britain, Spain and east Germany. One underworld source said: 'McGraw is out of control. He can't stop taking over. He wants to run everything because he knows that's the only way he'll be safe. As soon as he slows down, he knows he's a dead man.'

Last year the Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail began a campaign to expose the big players in Glasgow's underworld, but were told last month that a Glasgow crime family had made death threats against them. Similarly a BBC journalist from London attempting to expose Glasgow's corrupt minicab and security firms was warned his life was at risk.

Glasgow's long fascination with the knife was laid bare by the weaponry police seized during a six-month crack down on violent crime in and around Govan last year. In Operation Magnet, officers stopped and searched 2,500 people, confiscating 40 lock knives, 25 kitchen knives, 13 steak knives and six machetes. Screwdrivers, metal bars, hammers, baseball bats and coshes were also found.

The fear of violence is also fuelling the problem as a growing number of people take to the streets armed with weapons to defend themselves in case of an attack. A recent Mori poll found that one in five young people in Glasgow carries a weapon, with 70 per cent saying they did so because they were afraid of a gang attack.

Dr Rudy Crawford, an accident and emergency consultant at Glasgow's Royal Infirmary, which covers the east end, believes the number of knife attacks in the city could be up to three times higher than police figures suggest. He would like to see harsher penalties for those found carrying a weapon and a ban on the sale of 'sports' knives and machetes.

'This culture of knife-carrying is not a new problem, but it's getting inexorably worse. On one Friday night recently we had 10 stabbings, two of them fatal, and one shooting.'

His concerns are echoed by Ian Anderson, his counterpart at the Victoria Infirmary, where patients from the south side of the city are taken for treatment.

'I see elderly people terrified in their own homes; I see middle-aged people cowering under threat; and I see staff and other patients terrorised by these knife-wielding wee neds and thugs as they continue their incessant march.

'It's absolutely disgraceful, but I don't hear anybody standing up and saying it's unacceptable. It just seems to be tolerated. I don't hear it from the judiciary, I don't hear it from the police, and despite the pious outpourings from the mouths of all political parties none seems to have any commitment to addressing the problem.'

Cathy Jamieson, the Justice Minister, has promised to crack down on the city's increasing crime problem, but admits it won't be easy. The executive has given a commitment to review the law regarding knife crimes. It also has its flagship anti-social behaviour Bill, with proposals to give police power to disperse groups of youths, going through parliament.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ruaraidh Nicolson of Strathclyde Police acknowledges that the west of Scotland has a violence problem. He blames the perception that it is seen to be cool to carry a weapon and uncool not to drink excessively or do drugs.

Glasgow has worked hard over the past 20 years to distance itself from its infamous reputation. In 1990 it was named European city of culture, and has since enjoyed status as the 'city of love' and 'city of sport'. Now, Glasgow wants to be the 'city of style'. Some would say 'city of fear' would be more accurate.

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,1189822,00.html

Little dated but still true today. . . how come we dont hear more about this problem,and who in the hell would want to go to glasgow. . .

Mo Rush

August 9th, 2007, 01:14 PM

Tbite

August 9th, 2007, 01:29 PM

Mo Rush

August 9th, 2007, 01:33 PM

I am not inferring that Capetown does have a security issue, but the reason why Tourists visit cities with High crime rates, is probably cos Tourists attractions and Infrastructure etc in those cities outweigh Security issues.

If you took all of New York's Tourists attractions and put them in a peaceful town like Auckland in New Zealand, people would go to Auckland and bypass New York.

People only go to those cities, because there are opportunities there, and the experience is worth it. If not for the opportunities and Attractions, I don't know how many people would ever step foot in cities like New York and Lagos.

Again, I am not inferring or Suggesting that Capetown has a security issue.

Cape Town definitely has a security issue. Crime statistics are ridiculously high. even if the majority of crime takes place in 2 or 3 township areas.
If Glasgow is deemed unfit due to its crime statistics, then Cape Town and South Africa should certainly not be considered to host major sports events, especially since crime here is probably much higher than the crime levels in Glasgow.

paddylo

August 9th, 2007, 03:55 PM

Stop comparing apples to oranges,i am talking about Abuja vs Glasgow and you people are telling me about south Africa and New York city,hell New york is safer than glasgow in terms of murder per capital,dont know about cape town,plus those cities are more cosmopolitan than Glasgow,so again my question. . why would commonwealth countries with mostly black and brown people go to Glasgow with its rampaging band of drunken white hoodlums and hooligans?

friendsofthecity

August 9th, 2007, 05:10 PM

That's good question.Comeon!What're you trying to insinuate?are you a racist,paddylo?

August 9th, 2007, 06:06 PM

How about we cheer up our respective cities and what they can offer instead of bashing the other contender cities.

I really wish Abuja wins this one :)

Mo Rush

August 9th, 2007, 06:17 PM

How about we cheer up our respective cities and what they can offer instead of bashing the other contender cities.

I really wish Abuja wins this one :)

Exactly, but if we are going to put forward an argument e.g. high crime cities are less capable of hosting sports events, then we need to be consistent and be able to defend this statement in all scenarios, not only when it suits our cities best.

Artemis

August 10th, 2007, 09:52 PM

18 Face Death In Nigeria For Homosexuality

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

Posted: August 10, 2007 - 11:00 am ET

(Lagos) Eighteen Nigerian men have been found guilty of sodomy by a Sharia judge in the Islamic northern part of the country. The men are awaiting sentencing and under Sharia, or Islamic law, they could be sentenced to death.

The official government news agency Nan reports that the men were arrested in a hotel in north-eastern Bauchi State.

Bauchi is one of a number of northern states which recognizes Sharia law. Elsewhere in the country gay sex carries sentences up to 14 years behind bars.

If sentenced to death the court decision would need the approval of the state governor.

Nan reports that the men were wearing women's clothes when they were arrested and had gone to the hotel to celebrate a gay wedding.

The government frequently alleges that men arrested for being gay were dressed as women and were attending or preparing to attend gay weddings.

More than a dozen men have been sentenced to death in recent years for alleged homosexuality. In most cases their fate is unknown.

Meanwhile, the government is moving ahead with legislation that would strip gays and lesbians of all civil rights.

The bill started out as a ban on same-sex marriage and has been revised to make it a crime for more than two gay people to be in the same venue at the same time.

It prohibits LGBT social or civil rights groups from forming. It would be illegal to sell or rent property to same-sex couples, watch a gay film or video, visit an LGBT web site, or express same-sex love in a letter to one's partner.

The legislation goes so far as to make it a criminal offense to impart information of HIV/AIDS to gays or for non-gays to meet with any group of gays for any purpose.

The penalty would be five years in prison with hard labor.

The most recent arrests have sparked outrage in Britain and is likely to scuttle Nigeria's bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

A movement by LGBT rights activists to block the Nigerian bid began before the arrests and appeared to be gaining broader support on Friday.

Mike Hooper, the chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation - the organization that will make the decision about the games venue - said Friday that Nigeria should be rejected on the grounds of the country’s homophobic oppression.

The southern half of Nigeria is predominantly Anglican. The primate of the Nigerian Church is Archbishop Peter Akinola who has been at the forefront of opposing gay clergy in the denomination. Conservative Anglican churches in the US have aligned themselves with Akinola.

©365Gay.com 2007

iluvnaija

August 10th, 2007, 10:10 PM

except mike hooper is gay i dnt see wht his problem is d games has nothing to do with being gay but bout sports..d greater problem with the world is that it embraces homosexuality and therefore encouraging future generations to go into it..i dnt have anything against gays butit is morally and spiritually wrong

Mo Rush

August 11th, 2007, 02:18 AM

SportBilly

September 4th, 2007, 07:55 PM

http://www.gamesbids.com/cgi-bin/news/viewnews.cgi?category=1&id=1188876760

Not a very flattering report for Abuja supporters.

friendsofthecity

September 5th, 2007, 11:08 PM

The CWG evalution maybe right according to technicalities but if commonwealth is really build on unity and fairness there's every tendency for the games to come to Abuja without doubt. The rotation of the games as a tool for development makes the sense of it all.

Scotland been the first to host the games would have it more of a greed rather than development plan on it side to take the chance from Nigeria. From many views there is history on the side of Scotland and they should be ok with that. Let alone a new nation of Nigeria with aspiration to make changes in many areas and for recognition in the world. It will be of no good to let things flow among the big players in the commonwealth only.

Nevertheless, the winner is chosen by CGF and they should bear in mind Abuja really deserves the chance to host the games than Glascow more than ever before in their nascent democratic environment.

adebayoa

September 6th, 2007, 09:08 AM

I cannot agree with you more. I believe that Abuja is capable of hosting the games. The All African Games of 2003 remains the best organized in the history of the All African games. It was even praised by the IOC. Nigerians have a way of making sure that things work, only if they focus on making them work. FIFA had enough faith in the country by awarding the 2009 Under 17 championship to Nigeria.

Mo Rush

September 6th, 2007, 01:15 PM

adebayoa

September 6th, 2007, 02:03 PM

Johannesburg 1999 remains the best organized.

Not according to the IOC

Rdokoye

September 6th, 2007, 03:30 PM

Johannesburg 1999 remains the best organized.

Can't we all just get along!

Mo Rush

September 6th, 2007, 04:52 PM

Not according to the IOC

I don't need the IOC to verify things I already know.

9yja

September 7th, 2007, 09:46 AM

it's good under 17 wolrd cup is coming to nigeria soon.we would make it big.

adebayoa

September 8th, 2007, 01:19 AM

I don't need the IOC to verify things I already know.You are welcome to remain in ignorance, Thanks

Mo Rush

September 8th, 2007, 11:34 AM

You are welcome to remain in ignorance, Thanks

Ive read enough olympic bid books and reports and journals to make you dizzy. So as before I dont need the IOC to verify things.

adebayoa

November 9th, 2007, 03:02 PM

Glasgow wins, Africa can try next time. Probably Durban, Cape Town or Nairobi

Alex Roney

November 9th, 2007, 03:39 PM

Glasgow wins race for 2014 Games

The Glasgow team celebrated in Sri Lanka

Commonwealth vote
Glasgow has been chosen to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
There were celebrations in the Scottish city as the decision of the 71 voting nations was announced in Sri Lanka, with Glasgow winning by 47 votes to 24.

The city had been competing against Nigerian capital Abuja for the right to host the games.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "We will make these games the greatest sporting event our country has ever seen."

He added: "They will be our chance to show the whole world the very best of Scotland."

I hope young Scots are inspired by the excitement the games will bring, and the Commonwealth enjoys the best ever games in 2014

Jack McConnell
Former first minister

Send us your reaction

The announcement was greeted with delight by hundreds of people who had gathered in Glasgow's George Square to hear the result.

Motorists also joined in the celebrations by blaring their horns.

About 2,000 children had gathered for the announcement at Tollcross Leisure Centre in the east end of the city, which will host the swimming events.

In the pool, more than 20 young swimmers who will now be going for gold jumped and splashed with delight when the result came through.

In the grandstand, hundreds of people waved Glasgow 2014 flags and cheered.

Thousands of people cheered the result in Glasgow

Councillor George Ryan, executive member for development and regeneraton, said: "This is absolutely superb, Glasgow will flourish with this announcement today.

"Two-and-a-half years of hard work put into the bid and we've now delivered."

Former Labour First Minister Jack McConnell, whose administration launched the Glasgow bid, said: "This is fantastic news for Glasgow and for Scotland.

"I hope young Scots are inspired by the excitement the games will bring, and the Commonwealth enjoys the best ever games in 2014."

Julia Bracewell OBE, chairwoman of Sportscotland, said it was "fantastic news".

It will give coaches, officials and volunteers the experience of a lifetime

Julia Bracewell
Sportscotland

"Hosting such a high profile event will undoubtedly help to drive sport forward at all levels, increasing participation and improving performance.

"It will provide Scottish athletes with the advantage of competing and being supported on home soil.

"And as importantly, it will give coaches, officials and volunteers the experience of a lifetime."

It has been estimated that it will cost the city £288m to stage the sporting event, with most of the funding coming from the Scottish Government.

Lesley Sawers, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said it was "a massive result for Glasgow, Scotland and for Scottish business".

She said: "The business community must now focus on ensuring Scotland benefits by winning as many as possible of the commercial contracts that will result in all sectors from construction to the service industries."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7085422.stm

I wonder why Glasgow had the scottish bid and not Edinburgh? The latter is a far better city.

popa1980

November 9th, 2007, 04:25 PM

Well the best bid won. Congratulations to my city of Glasgow though I live in Edinburgh now.

I think if Nigeria manages to stay stable for the next 5 or 10 years it will be able to hold the games but they would have been crazy to hold it there under the current volatile security status.

popa1980

November 9th, 2007, 04:27 PM

I think the way the Kenyan economy is going, Nairobi could hold it next time- nicer climate for athletes. Maybe Angola too?

Tbite

November 10th, 2007, 07:06 AM

Quite dissapointing, but the real loss will be if the Government halts all the infrastructural plans that were part of Abuja's bid. There were a lot of venues planned, that I would love to see constructed.

Well it had been said that the infrastructure, will be constructed wether or not Abuja won the bid. I'd love to see all the new commercial complexes and the transportation plans commenced.

Abuja didn't lose the bid, because they weren't capable of hosting the best CWG ever, they lost it because the CGF doubted that the Nigerian Government would follow through on all of it's plans. Which I believe the government would have. Abuja was prepared. A lot of press higlighted the need for upgrading the venues in Abuja, when New venues were planned and shown in Abuja's Bid book.

Well better luck next time.

Mo Rush

November 10th, 2007, 08:58 AM

Tbite

November 10th, 2007, 09:39 AM

Yeah that is true Mo Rush.:)

It was obvious from the start that the likes of Australia and Canada would back Scotland, and even some African countries didn't back Nigeria, so I was wondering myself where Nigeria's votes would come from.:)

I believe that Abuja's loss, is due to the problem that Nigeria faces as a Nation. Nigeria is a country that is struggling to maintain security, stability etc throughout the nation.

And since Abuja had most of it's "Bid Highlights" on Paper, and not yet completed, the voters would naturally doubt Nigeria's ability to follow through with it's bid and host a successful game, based on the state of the country today. The country was naturally percieved as incapapble. Although Glasgow also had a lot of it's "highlights/points" on paper.

Abuja's Bid was more than capable of hosting the games successfuly, if it wasn't then half of the countries that have hosted the coutries in the past would never have hosted the CWG.

Michaelda

November 10th, 2007, 09:17 PM

Michaelda

November 10th, 2007, 09:18 PM

it would have been nice to win the games, but a larger question for me is why we even remain in the commonwealth. what good does it do us

Matthias Offodile

November 10th, 2007, 09:32 PM

it would have been nice to win the games, but a larger question for me is why we even remain in the commonwealth. what good does it do us

Nothing!

They don´t even allow an African country to stage the Games, so they can also piss off with their silly Commonwealth crap!

If Nigeria had some stamina, it should simply boycott the Games now!

Mo Rush

November 10th, 2007, 11:23 PM

DennisRodman97

November 11th, 2007, 01:15 AM

eh nobody cares about the commonwealth games

Alex Roney

November 11th, 2007, 02:42 AM

The whole idea of "commonwealth" just symbolizes past colonies into a neo colonial system where they still remain subserviant to the Brits. My view may sound radical but I think all it instills is a slave or servitude like mentality. So essentially I'm against any sort of "Commonwealth".

Michaelda

November 11th, 2007, 07:12 PM

adebayoa

November 12th, 2007, 02:33 PM

Nothing!

They don´t even allow an African country to stage the Games, so they can also piss off with their silly Commonwealth crap!

If Nigeria had some stamina, it should simply boycott the Games now!

I completely agree with you Matt. If all African countries leave the commonwealth, then they can no longer call it the second largest sproting event in the world. I saw Nigeria's presentation and I do not think that Nigeria lost on merit. I think that they did not want Nigeria to host it, because allowing that to happen will erase the racist western media presentation of Africa, as a group of countries who starve and kill each other.

Matthias Offodile

November 12th, 2007, 03:10 PM

I completely agree with you Matt. If all African countries leave the commonwealth, then they can no longer call it the second largest sproting event in the world. I saw Nigeria's presentation and I do not think that Nigeria lost on merit. I think that they did not want Nigeria to host it, because allowing that to happen will erase the racist western media presentation of Africa, as a group of countries who starve and kill each other.

You speak out of my mind! There is nothing more to add to it. Thank you!

Alex Roney

November 12th, 2007, 03:28 PM

Oh C'mon don't stoop so low that you blame racism, have you ever thought that perhaps Glasgow also did a good job?

Besides the Commonwealth is NOT the second biggest sports competition.

Mo Rush

November 12th, 2007, 04:17 PM

You speak out of my mind! There is nothing more to add to it. Thank you!

lol

Matthias Offodile

November 12th, 2007, 05:48 PM

Oh C'mon don't stoop so low that you blame racism, have you ever thought that perhaps Glasgow also did a good job?

Besides the Commonwealth is NOT the second biggest sports competition.

Oh C´mon don´t stoop so low that you don´t blame racism, have you ever thought that perhaps Abuja also did a good job?

I am sure that you people in SA are rubbing your hands mischievously that Nigeria failed and is "finally" out.

What´s the use of the Commonwealth at all, that´s a very legitimate question if Games are destined for the North!

If they really cared they would have brought the Games to Africa, it would have been the first Commonwealth Games ever on African soil and Abuja wouldn´t have been the worst city to stage such an event! Everybody knows Glasgow but few people know that Abuja even exists.

A big "thank you" to those who threw the dice!:tongue:

Alex Roney

November 12th, 2007, 06:37 PM

Oh C´mon don´t stoop so low that you don´t blame racism, have you ever thought that perhaps Abuja also did a good job?

I am sure that you people in SA are rubbing your hands mischievously that Nigeria failed and is "finally" out.

What´s the use of the Commonwealth at all, that´s a very legitimate question if Games are destined for the North!

If they really cared they would have brought the Games to Africa, it would have been the first Commonwealth Games ever on African soil and Abuja wouldn´t have been the worst city to stage such an event! Everybody knows Glasgow but few people know that Abuja even exists.

A big "thank you" to those who threw the dice!:tongue:

Hosting the games in Abuja soley on the basis that Africa hasn't hosted the games and that people don't "know" Abuja is not a good incentive. Going by those guidelines you'd be discriminating against the Glasgow team. Your reasons lack any common sense, in terms of transport and infrastructure who do you think wins out? Honestly, you may not care about the commonwealth (either do I) but being a sore loser is no way going about it.

Everything is always pointed too racism and western discrimination with some of you people.

Mo Rush

November 12th, 2007, 07:53 PM

Oh C´mon don´t stoop so low that you don´t blame racism, have you ever thought that perhaps Abuja also did a good job?

I am sure that you people in SA are rubbing your hands mischievously that Nigeria failed and is "finally" out.

What´s the use of the Commonwealth at all, that´s a very legitimate question if Games are destined for the North!

If they really cared they would have brought the Games to Africa, it would have been the first Commonwealth Games ever on African soil and Abuja wouldn´t have been the worst city to stage such an event! Everybody knows Glasgow but few people know that Abuja even exists.

A big "thank you" to those who threw the dice!:tongue:

Ive support Abuja since day one, since I opened the Abuja 2014 thread at gamesbids.com, and I certainly dont have any insecurities since South Africa is hosting the worlds most popular sporting event, but what I do not approve of is saying that Abuja was cheated or that Africa was cheated and implying that the 71 or so voters are racist or backwards, because this would not have been the story had Abuja won.

Cape Town lost the 2004 Olympic bid and survived, we lost the 2006 FIFA WC bid and survived, the IOC and FIFA owed us nothing, even if on all ocassions we would have hosted successfully.

popa1980

November 12th, 2007, 07:57 PM

Racism...racism...the same facile accusation.

When Nigeria sorts out its security problem, ONLY then will there be a realistic chance of hosting such a big event. I do agree though that the Commonwealt should be abolished...the Empire doesnt exist anymore.

popa1980

November 12th, 2007, 08:01 PM

abuja is not in the niger delta. what security issues are you referring to

Im sorry but its still the same country. If there was similar civil unrest in the South of England, far from Scotland, Glasgow wouldnt have won aswell. Nigeria is way still too volatile, it was only months ago that many people died in a "democratic" election.

The best bid won. I will be back in Glasgow to see the Games in 7 years time.

Matthias Offodile

November 12th, 2007, 08:25 PM

Oh yes, Abuja is the miserable rotten, hopelessly under-developed Third World city for eternity because it is located in Sub-Saharan Africa, a place that will never make it till the end of this planet´s existence.

Abuja has no roads, all roads don´t have tarmac and everybody pees and makes caca in the streets while the rest are starving at the road-side. One cannot expose vistors to such eyesores, you are perfectly "right"..

Popa1980, yes, Abuja is damn insecure: the minute you step out of the plane you end up with a bullet in your head. The murder rate is tenfold that of Rio.

So Abuja doesn´t deserve the Games, are you all happy now? :bash:

This is what you want to hear, it all boils down to it, no matter which thread one opens, no matter what one shows, always the same talk: "Africa failed, Nigeria the worst in the world, Africa corruption , Aids, poverty and hunger till the end of this world´s existence! Blablablablablablabla

The Commonwealth has absolutely no use for Nigeria or any African country, it even fails to bring Games to an African country...so the Games should be boycotted but this will not happen because Nigerians seem to enjoy licking the ass of their former colonial master "dutifully".

Mo Rush

November 12th, 2007, 09:26 PM

Matthias Offodile

November 12th, 2007, 10:05 PM

dont be so bitter, grow up

Well, maybe I am bitter but I have every reason to be it , I just speak the truth what the world wants to think and are fooled into thinking and the worst is you cannot blame the "ordinary" people for it because this the image the Western media has created and cultivated with a lot of zeal for decades and it all started when colonialism ended in Africa and Africa´s negative portrayal will even get worse in the future and not better.....(they simply don´t want to look at the positive sides of Africa or support Africa´s endeavour, the Games would have been a perfect opportunity to bring a little bit of attention to Abuja but they request has been turned down) That´s why I have been calling for an "Al- Jazeerah" of Africa, for independent African media that paints a more balanced picture of Africa, yes that also does some promotion ....what else is the West doing. It ´s promoting its brands like Hoolywood, fashion labels, its stars, designer hotels and lifestyle magazines (it is all a big propaganda machine, too) ....unfortunately, no initiatives are taken by Africans to work on Africa´s severe image, on the contrary, even some people look for ways to talk badly about the development shown here....Africa has a deep-seated image problem but Africans seem to enjoy they way they are portrayed by the West.

Alex Roney

November 12th, 2007, 10:21 PM

Matthias Offodile

November 12th, 2007, 10:31 PM

Seriously why are you so obsessed on how westerners view Africa? Thats half the stuff you ever rant about, you care more about portrayal than anything else in the end who gives a shit? Damn maybe its because you live in Europe but most people have a different set of priorities to contend with.

Of course, Africa has a set of different priorities to contend with.....

But why do you think that Dubai has invested so much money into marketing and broad-scale branding campaigns and big style projects? Superficially, it is to make more money and diversify their sources of income but there is a deeper more psychological meaning to it. What is the view Westerns have on Arabs? Not very positive as a whole but Dubai has cleverly managed to transcend those old stereotypes. ("an Arab country can make it big")

Image is a very very important factor in today´s world and it is of growing importance, companies are investing billions into image perfection ("corporate identity") nearly everybody is placing a lot of importance to their outward portrayal.

Roltel

November 12th, 2007, 11:06 PM

So what has Africa got out of the Commonwealth?

It has had an organisation that has given it platform to build contacts and rub shoulders with nations from every continent to discuss issues of mutual concern.

It has had an organisation that led the international protests and diplomatic offensives against Apartheid in Africa, Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe and, yes, against former military rule in Nigeria.

It has staged previous CHOGM heads of government meetings in Lusaka, Harare, Durban, Abuja and this year in Kampala, bringing the leaders of nations small and large to Africa to see what is happening there first hand.

The Commonwealth Games, like any international games are expensive fripperies. At heir heart they are supposed to be about the athletes and bringing our nations together, NOT national self-aggrandisement. Hosting them is a luxury and a privilege, not a charity and a right.

Matthias Offodile

November 12th, 2007, 11:18 PM

Oh yes, we are eternally grateful for it, "of course", sir!

It has had an organisation that has given it platform to build contacts and rub shoulders with nations from every continent to discuss issues of mutual concern.

Examples, please? I cannot think of any, the Queen that inauguarated a public park in Abuja?:lol:

It has staged previous CHOGM heads of government meetings in Lusaka, Harare, Durban, Abuja and this year in Kampala, bringing the leaders of nations small and large to Africa to see what is happening there first hand

Really?

The Commonwealth Games, like any international games are expensive fripperies. At heir heart they are supposed to be about the athletes and bringing our nations together, NOT national self-aggrandisement. Hosting them is a luxury and a privilege, not a charity and a right.

If it is not about self-aggrandisment, so why have the Games gone to Glasgow while the Games would have been a perfect instrument to portray "what is happening in Africa" (in this case Abuja), something which you touched on above.

Yes, and the luxury and the privilege is denied to the "poor" and "receivers of charity", right!? just like in the "good old days" of the British Empire.

Matthias Offodile

November 12th, 2007, 11:20 PM

Nigeria boycott the Games, please!!!!!!!!!

pappy

November 12th, 2007, 11:33 PM

Roltel

November 13th, 2007, 12:16 AM

Really?

Yes, really.
CHOGM hosts
971 January 14-22 Singapore Singapore Lee Kuan Yew
1973 August 2-10 Canada Ottawa Pierre Trudeau
1975 April 29-May 6 Jamaica Kingston Michael Manley
1977 June 8-15 United Kingdom London James Callaghan
1979 August 1-7 Zambia Lusaka Kenneth Kaunda
1981 September 30-October 7 Australia Melbourne Malcolm Fraser
1983 November 23-29 India New Delhi Indira Gandhi
1985 October 16-22 Bahamas Nassau Lynden Pindling
1986 August 3-5 United Kingdom London Margaret Thatcher
1987 October 13-17 Canada Vancouver Brian Mulroney
1989 October 18-24 Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Mahathir bin Mohamad
1991 October 16-21 Zimbabwe Harare Robert Mugabe
1993 October 21-25 Cyprus Limassol George Vasiliou
1995 November 10-13 New Zealand Auckland Jim Bolger
1997 October 24-27 United Kingdom Edinburgh Tony Blair
1999 November 12-14 South Africa Durban Thabo Mbeki
2002 March 2-5 Australia Coolum John Howard
2003 December 5-8 Nigeria Abuja Olusegun Obasanjo
2005 November 25-27 Malta Valletta Lawrence Gonzi
2007 November 23-25 Uganda Kampala
Actually, you probably get much better value an exposure from a CHOGM _much cheaper, you get ALL te heads of state there, more serious political exposure.

Matthias Offodile

November 13th, 2007, 05:22 PM

I don't think Abuja should think about hosting the event anytime soon. Nigerians need to get it's act together and stop worrying about things like that. Glasgow is a much better city than Abuja so they deserved it

Are you really Nigerian? Where is your support? If you are Nigerian, I do hope that you are not among those that bleach their skins!

Tbite

November 14th, 2007, 11:55 AM

I love this thread, there's a lot of debate. but it all seems to be constructive.

I think without a doubt in my mind that Abuja should have hosted the games.

If Abuja's bid was at least 60% that of Glasgow's then Abuja should have won. I think the problem with Abuja's bid is that the whole thing was centered on "Africa has never hosted the games" although this should be to the advantage of Abuja, I think it diverted the attention of the officials from the quality of Abuja's bid.Abuja is not only an African city, but is also a city that is capable of hosting the games, probably even better than Glasgow. When you put the Abuja's Infrastructural plans into the picture.

So why did Abuja lose the bid?

Scotland has hosted the games twice before, An African country has never hosted the games, yes if Abuja was incapable of hosting the games then yes, by all means vote for Glasgow, but was Abuja really?

Then I wonder if Abuja ever stood a chance.

Mo Rush

November 14th, 2007, 12:53 PM

kulani

November 17th, 2007, 03:07 AM

Nigeria boycott the Games, please!!!!!!!!!

I know how disappointing it can be to lose when you really come so close. That said, i think the correct attitude is to simply take it as a minor set back and prepare for the next time around. We have been through this before in SA with 2004 Cape Town Olympic Bid and 2006 World Cup disappointment.

But no one asked anybody to boycott the Germany World Cup 2006 or Olympic Games, we just got back to preparing the bid for the next one and tried to improve infrastructure and other things that helped us to secure 2010 World Cup.

Kenguy

November 17th, 2007, 11:50 AM

Yes, really.
CHOGM hosts
971 January 14-22 Singapore Singapore Lee Kuan Yew
1973 August 2-10 Canada Ottawa Pierre Trudeau
1975 April 29-May 6 Jamaica Kingston Michael Manley
1977 June 8-15 United Kingdom London James Callaghan
1979 August 1-7 Zambia Lusaka Kenneth Kaunda
1981 September 30-October 7 Australia Melbourne Malcolm Fraser
1983 November 23-29 India New Delhi Indira Gandhi
1985 October 16-22 Bahamas Nassau Lynden Pindling
1986 August 3-5 United Kingdom London Margaret Thatcher
1987 October 13-17 Canada Vancouver Brian Mulroney
1989 October 18-24 Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Mahathir bin Mohamad
1991 October 16-21 Zimbabwe Harare Robert Mugabe
1993 October 21-25 Cyprus Limassol George Vasiliou
1995 November 10-13 New Zealand Auckland Jim Bolger
1997 October 24-27 United Kingdom Edinburgh Tony Blair
1999 November 12-14 South Africa Durban Thabo Mbeki
2002 March 2-5 Australia Coolum John Howard
2003 December 5-8 Nigeria Abuja Olusegun Obasanjo
2005 November 25-27 Malta Valletta Lawrence Gonzi
2007 November 23-25 Uganda Kampala
Actually, you probably get much better value an exposure from a CHOGM _much cheaper, you get ALL te heads of state there, more serious political exposure.

You are probably right on exposure. But one thing is for sure, this year's CHOGM event has been responsible for a massive improvement in infrastructure in Uganda. I guess hosting any international event usually has a positive impact on the host country (including the commonwealth games). I believe Africa will get a chance to host it one day.

Matthias Offodile

November 17th, 2007, 12:11 PM

kulani

November 17th, 2007, 12:56 PM

You are probably right on exposure. But one thing is for sure, this year's CHOGM event has been responsible for a massive improvement in infrastructure in Uganda. I guess hosting any international event usually has a positive impact on the host country (including the commonwealth games). I believe Africa will get a chance to host it one day.

Yes, the same thing is happening with Ghana infrastructure because of 2008 African Cup of Nations. I sometimes wish these events could be rotated more to serve as a stimulant for African governments to improve infrastructure.

Mo Rush

November 17th, 2007, 01:13 PM

Yes, dreams are sweet!

Durban could host in 2018.

sammyjay77

November 18th, 2007, 07:59 PM

Nothing!

They don´t even allow an African country to stage the Games, so they can also piss off with their silly Commonwealth crap!

If Nigeria had some stamina, it should simply boycott the Games now!

The commonwealth is the most useless international organisation in the world. Gatherings of commonwealth heads of states and the commonwealth games are just mere waste of money and resources. Commonwealth citizens have got nothing to gain in all these. What have you gained as a commonwealth citizen? It is only in primary schools that kids are being brain washed about the commonwealth.
I will prefer Nigeria pull out of the commonwealth because it is of no use and gain to her citizens except if the governments will not want to open up about the advantages of remaining in the commonwealth.

The British will allow you as a Commonwealth citizen join the Royal British Army and not the Police, Air-force or Navy...clever. Join the Army and die in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As far as I am concerned...the commonwealth is crap

sammyjay77

November 18th, 2007, 08:09 PM

Mo Rush

November 18th, 2007, 08:15 PM

If only South Africa remember what Nigeria did to get them out of their problem of Apartheid...humans forget so soon.

As before, we have the world most popular sports event to host in 2010. I doubt any or many South Africans even knew about Abuja losing the bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. We stepped aside to ensure Abuja the best chance to host 2014 by not entering Cape Town into the bid, and I have fully supported Abuja's 2014 bid and will support it in its 2018 bid.

The bitterness and insecurity is lame. Get over it and good luck with 2018.

kulani

November 19th, 2007, 03:56 PM

I was hoping and praying that Abuja was going to get the 2014 games. Better luck next time. I think Abuja needs to work on the 2018 bid. Like i said before, with these things, you don't want to give up at the first attempt. It takes some countries a few attempts to get these events. The disappointment of losing can be hard and i know this because i was personally very devastated when we lost the Cape Town Olympic Bid for 2004 and then went on to lose FIFA 2006.

I think Abuja should just focus on the 2018 bid and continue to improve its bid.

Matthias Offodile

November 19th, 2007, 04:18 PM

A huge difference between "la Francophonie" and the Commwealth is that la Francophonie is mostly dominated and led by African countries (for example former president A. Diouf from Senegal at the moment) and is much better organized, structured and closely knit than the Commonwealth which is predominately dominated by Whites only. But this has something to do with former colonial policies/approaches, the Brits more or less believed in segregation and "apartheid" policies which even reflects the Commonwealth nowadays.

On the one hand you have Switzerland, France, Canada, Belgium, Lebanon, the Carrebean Isaldn or Guyana or far away countries auch as Polynesia or Vietnam but they dwarf when you take in all the French speaking countries from ranging from tiny ones like Reunion, Gabon, Mauritius, for example to the big ones like Algeria, Egypt or the two Congos.

Nowadays more African artists win literature prices than it was the case for the white/non-African parts of la Francophonie. Many Games were staged already in Africa and so many sub-organizations and events etc. make up la Francophonie.

Kenguy

November 19th, 2007, 06:55 PM

Matthias Offodile

November 19th, 2007, 07:45 PM

If la Francophonie is so closely knit, then why are some African states breaking away eg. Rwanda, to join the commonwealth? I understand the French had a huge part to play in what transpired in that country sometime back.

Politics!!!

And why is Mozambique looking to join "la Francophonie"?

Matthias Offodile

November 19th, 2007, 08:00 PM

Btw, Ghana is also making plans to join la Francophonie, out of its own free will, nobody is forcing Ghana to do so! Ghana has already become an associated member of la Francophonie (obtained its attendance status for the time being) and might likely join it! Read it!

La Francophonie et le Ghana

Par M. Abdou Diouf, Secrétaire général de l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie

Grâce à ses efforts dans la promotion de la langue française et à son adhésion aux valeurs de démocratie et de respect des droit, de l’homme, le Ghana est devenu membre associé de 'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) au Sommet de Bucarest, en septembre 2006. Cette adhésion revêt pour notre organisation une importance à plus d’un titre.
D’abord, parce qu’elle émane d’un pays anglophone, membre du Commonwealth, et témoigne des relations étroites qu’entretiennent les deux organisations. Pour rappel, le Commonwealth regroupe 53 pays et l'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie compte 55 Etats et gouvernements, et 13 observateurs. Dix Etats appartiennent aux deux institutions : Cameroun, Canada, Chypre, Dominique, Ghana, Maurice, Mozambique, Sainte-Lucie, Seychelles et Vanuatu. Et la Francophonie a engagé, depuis six ans, une collaboration étroite avec des aires linguistiques comme la Lusophonie, l’Hispanophonie, l’Arabophonie, l’Union latine et le Commonwealth. Ensuite, parce que l’intérêt du Ghana pour la Francophonie ne date pas d’hier. Enclave anglophone entourée de pays francophones, il est un modèle de diversité culturelle et linguistique : anglais, français et langues nationales cohabitent harmonieusement. Si la réalité de la francophonie au Ghana est avérée, les autorités multiplient leurs efforts pour promouvoir notre langue commune. En 2005, l’enseignement de notre langue, résultat d’une politique volontariste de promotion du français comme langue d’intégration régionale, était suivi par quelque 350 000 enfants, étudiants et adultes. Au-delà du système scolaire et universitaire, on parle français au sein de nombreuses entreprises et dans certaines institutions publiques. Mieux, à la prochaine rentrée scolaire de septembre, le français se verra même accorder une place privilégiée en devenant progressivement obligatoire et généralisé dans tous les collèges, puis dans les lycées, au fur et à mesure que des professeurs seront formés. L’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie s’associe, avec d’autres partenaires internationaux, à cet effort de formation des enseignants, en s’appuyant notamment sur le Réseau de français langue étrangère (RECFLEA). En outre, dans le cadre de notre projet de promotion de l’usage du français au sein des institutions multilatérales africaines, plusieurs diplomates ghanéens ont bénéficié d’une formation au français des relations internationales organisée par l’OIF à Lomé en mars et en avril 2007, et d’autres devraient y prendre part lors des prochaines séances.
Acteur majeur de la région, le Ghana est un membre actif de la CEDAO et son Président, John Kufor, assure actuellement avec brio la présidence de l’Union africaine. A ce titre, on l’a remarqué aux côtés des Chefs d’Etat du G8 en Allemagne, au début du mois de juin. Dans ses efforts incessants pour la paix et la stabilité de la région, pour promouvoir l’Etat de droit et la démocratie, il sait qu’il peut également compter sur le soutien de l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. La Francophonie a besoin du Ghana, comme celui-ci de la Francophonie pour élargir leurs horizons respectifs et contribuer à promouvoir la diversité culturelle et linguistique dans le monde. La langue française est en effet, pour nous, le moyen privilégié de nous rencontrer, de nous mieux connaître, de nous mieux comprendre, le moyen de travailler ensemble, au service des plus démunis, et plus largement, au service d’une certaine vision de l’homme, d’une certaine approche du monde et du bien commun mondial.
Retour en haut de page

http://www.lalettrediplomatique.fr/contribution_detail.php?id=20&idrub=67&idrubprod=262

Matthias Offodile

November 19th, 2007, 08:10 PM

Here we go, some countries still have an observer status but Ghana has already become an associated member state in 2006, so joining Francophonie is just a matter of time for Ghana!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/91/Map-Francophonie_organisation_2006.png

Matthias Offodile

November 19th, 2007, 08:36 PM

some more info

Membership:

53 member states
2 associate members (Ghana and Cyprus)
13 observers

Executive Secretariat (Secretaries-general)

* Boutros Boutros-Ghali (Egypt) : 16 Nov 1997 - 31 Dec 2002
* Abdou Diouf (Senegal) : 1 Jan 2003 - present

Permanent council

The Permanent Council of the Francophonie consists of Ambassadors of the member countries, and, like the ministers' conferences, its main task is to plan future summits and also to supervise the implementation of summit decisions on a day-to-day basis.

Intergovernmental agency

The Intergovernmental Agency of the Francophonie is the main operator of the cultural, scientific, technical, economic and legal cooperation programs decided at the Summits. The Agency's headquarters are in Paris and it has three regional branches in Libreville, Gabon; Lomé, Togo; and Hanoi, Vietnam.

Summits of the Francophonie are held every two years, at which time the leaders of the member states have an opportunity to meet and develop strategies and goals for the organisation.

Recent Francophonie Summits:

* Paris, France (1986)
* Quebec City, Canada (1987)
* Dakar, Senegal (1989)
* Paris, France (1991)
* Mauritius (1993)
* Cotonou, Benin (1995)
* Hanoi, Vietnam (1997)
* Moncton, Canada (1999)
* Beirut, Lebanon (2002)
* Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (2004)
* Bucharest, Romania (2006)

Future summit:

* Quebec City, Canada (2008) (for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City)

Recent Games of La Francophonie

July 1989 Morocco 30 countries
July 1994 France 43 countries,
August 1997 Madagascar 36 countries
July 2001 Canada 51 countries
December 2005 Niger 44 countries

Roltel

November 20th, 2007, 07:31 AM

Politics!!!

And why is Mozambique looking to join "la Francophonie"?
And why did Mozambique decide it wanted to join the Commonwealth? _ it was never part of the british Empire.

Matthias Offodile

November 20th, 2007, 11:25 AM

And why did Mozambique decide it wanted to join the Commonwealth? _ it was never part of the british Empire.

And why did Mozambique or Ghana decide that they wanted to join "la Francophonie"? - both were never part of the French empire.

November 20th, 2007, 02:49 PM

New commonwealth is dominated by asians and africans. Less than half dozen members of commonwealth are "white" nations out of total 53 members. I don't know how the venue is decided but if it is based on voting, clearly the asians/africans voted in favor of Glasgow.

sammyjay77

November 20th, 2007, 04:05 PM

If you think being a member of an Organisation or a Body is not in the overall interest of your country especially the masses, then you leave...Ghana on the long-run have made the best decision. Like I said somewhere else in this forum, The Commonwealth is a comatose organisation.

Alex Roney

November 20th, 2007, 07:04 PM

Lets be honest here, what kind of political clout does this francophone group have? Personally I've never heard of them, commonwealth is useless I agree. But so is this other group.

Matthias Offodile

November 20th, 2007, 09:10 PM

you never herad of francophonie, woowww!

Matthias Offodile

November 20th, 2007, 09:15 PM

Francophonie or commonwelath have nothing to do with politics! Their goals are not political

However Francophonie is bigger (has 55 memebers) as opposed to 53 for the Commonwealth.

Alex Roney

November 20th, 2007, 10:24 PM

Francophonie or commonwelath have nothing to do with politics! Their goals are not political

However Francophonie is bigger (has 55 memebers) as opposed to 53 for the Commonwealth.

Than what is their goal? Economic integration? I've never heard of them exerting much influence in the Doha trade talks or other global summits.

I think regional economic/political unions are key. Not only should they attract greater bilateral relations between African countries (many already do) but they should represent each other during big level talks. The more unified the voice, the stronger the call.

Matthias Offodile

November 20th, 2007, 11:11 PM

some information is given above!

usersky0010

November 21st, 2007, 12:47 AM

How Nigeria survived Ghana voodoo
By GBOLAHAN DADA, just back from Ghana
Monday, November 19, 2007
:devil::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::runaway::mad2::omg::skull::eek::eek::eek:
Although, Nigeria got the much-needed point to forge ahead in the Beijing Olympic Games football qualifier after a barren draw with the hosts, Ghana Black Meteors, so many ugly things were swept under the carpet before the all-important duel at the Ohene Djan stadium in Accra.

Coach Siasia
Photo: Sun News Publishing

Mores Stories on This Section

advertisement

Nigerian Football Supporters Club members in Ghana played the Jesus Christ for the Dream Team by exposing the antics of the home team before the match.

According to Alhaji Hakeem Tijjani, one of the active Nigerian Supporters in Accra, Ghana had embarked on ‘Operation Total Destruction’ by employing the services of Voodoo men to harm Nigerian players. They had specifically worked on the team’s hotel and dressing rooms, a few days before the match, by planting fetish things around the place.

"Before the team arrived, we heard that Ghanaians were planning bad for the Nigerian players, through the hotel services."

The Nigerian team had earlier been booked into the Kingsby Hotel in the Achimota area on the outskirts of Accra, but the team rejected the place due to poor condition of facilities in the rooms, and checked into Marple Leaf Hotel within the same area.

"Solomon Okoronkwo was the first to condemn the hotel when they first moved into the place. He told coach Samson Siasia that he was ready to look elsewhere for accommodation, before Siasia provided money to pay for the new accommodation. Nigeria Football Association (NFA) officials didn’t support the team’s decision. It was unfortunate that they had to abandon the team when the chips were down. They said they didn’t believe in the fetish ambush and that Voodoo doesn’t win matches," Alhaji Tijjani said.

The centre referee, Mohamed Benouza, also helped the Ghanaians but all his decisions failed to give the home team the desired victory.

The Ghanaians were also disappointed that Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, and Olympic Marseille defender, Taiye Taiwo, were not in the Nigeria’s team in Ghana. Ghanaians were eager to see the duo before their last minute withdrawal from the game.

The outcome of the match spoilt Ghana’s fun, as they had bought booze to celebrate the victory that never was.

S A V A G E S!

Tbite

November 21st, 2007, 11:11 AM

Abuja’s Commonwealth Loss “Not A Disgrace”

Dr. Amos Adamu, Director General of the National Sports Commission, said that Abuja’s failure to win the bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is not a disgrace to the nation.

Adamu told the Nigeria News Agency (NAN) in Abuja Monday that Nigerians should not be discouraged because of the result.

He said bids hosting international competitions take a long process to materialize. “It takes a long process to win such bids due to the politics involved. India got the 2010 bid after trying four times, so, if the Nigerian government decides that we bid for the second time, we will go ahead”.

All Africa reports that Adamu is largely regarded as one of Nigeria’s reputable sports administrators. He noted there was no foul play in the Commonwealth Games Federation’s decision to award the hosting right to Glasgow. “There was no foul play during the election, the rules of the process were observed and we cannot ask them to bend the rules because of Nigeria.

“Abuja’s bid did its best and we actually reached out to the votes, but we lost. Now, we have learnt some lessons not to take things for granted”.

Roltel

December 3rd, 2007, 08:38 AM

At last, a balanced reaction from Nigeria's Financial Standard:

Nigeria's failed 2014 Commonwealth Games bid

By Editorial Team

Allegations by Nigerian officials that the country's failed bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014 smacks of racism, imperialism, bias, and elements of ballot rigging are absurd and pathetic.

Such posture ridicules the country in the eyes of the international community and may actually jeopardise future bids. Abuja lost the bid at the voting held at the Commonwealth Congress in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Friday November 9, 2007 to Glasgow, capital of Scotland, when it failed to secure the 36 votes needed out of 71 votes to win the hosting right. The, games which was inaugurated as a symbolic gesture of friendliness among Commonwealth member-countries, have been held in every continent except Africa since its maiden edition in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1930. It is arguably ranked behind only the Olympics in popularity and attendance. And it is this reality that the Abuja bid committee apparently failed to take into consideration in its bid preparation.

The sentiments that Africa has never hosted the Commonwealth Games in its 84 years of existence and that 2014 will mark 100 years of the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates which gave birth to Nigeria are grossly inadequate as basis for the Abuja bid. But the Abuja 2014 Commonwealth Games bid committee unfortunately anchored its bid on these sentiments. The truth is that the event which Abuja wanted to host is nearer in magnitude to the Fifa World Cup and the Olympics, two major sporting events which no African nation has ever hosted. And sentiments have never ensured successful hosting of any major event. Of course, South Africa will host the 2010 Federation of International Football Associations (Fifa) World Cup based on some degree of sentiment. But the facilities and ability to host the event are largely available in South Africa. Without being uncharitable, the sentiments expressed by Nigeria do have their merits, but the result has rightly shown that they are not strong enough to influence the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to decide in favour of Abuja and Nigeria.

A sporting event in the category of the Commonwealth Games requires more than rhetoric or sentiment for successful hosting. The concerns of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) will expectedly be on the level of security, transport, housing, technology and other facilities being put in place or recommended by the hosting city. A hitch-free outing would be top on the list of priorities for the CGF. That is why any bid which fails to show comprehensively how it would ensure a hitch-free outing cannot hope to win the hosting right. For instance, while Glasgow showed the organisers how it intends to fund the games and how the whole city is eager to host the games, Nigeria relied solely on government's assurance that it would take up all funding needs. Rather than concentrate on how to convince the CGF on Abuja's plans to correct lapses in existing infrastructure, the bid committee chose to rely on sentiments that add little value to the games. The Abuja bid was vague in several aspects. Marketing and sponsorships, which form the cornerstone of modern-day sporting events, were casually treated in the Abuja bid. In essence, the Abuja bid committee wanted the CGF to compromise on standards. Glasgow undoubtedly won because its bid was better packaged and technically superior.

The reaction of the members of the Abuja bid committee to the loss has been unsportsmanlike to say the least. It is disappointing that the committee members could not appreciate the depth of the lapses in the bid they presented. It is equally saddening that the committee members failed to acknowledge the superiority of the Glasgow winning bid over the Abuja bid. Vice President Jonathan Goodluck's remark after the loss of the bid that the CGF was unfair to the Abuja bid was rather unkind. By saying that there was no reason for Abuja to lose, the vice president missed the point. Perhaps a seasoned diplomat in the person of General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State and chairman of the Abuja bid committee, would understand better why the city lost the bid. Nigeria's quest to host the games began late in 2003.

Between then and the day of reckoning, the committee set up to organise the bid visited several member-countries and received assurances of support. But it failed woefully on the home front. Apart from starting preparations late, the submission of separate documentaries by the National Sports Commission, and the bid committee demonstrated lack of unity and commitment. This action, more than anything else, showed the CGF that the country was not prepared to host the event. And as the evaluation report of the CGF inspection team revealed, there was no detailed planning for the event by the bid committee. This is why allegations by Mitchell Obi, head of media for Abuja bid, that voting irregularities may have influenced the outcome and that there was an "apparent lack of transparency that marked the voting and announcement of the bid" are laughable.

Obi's other observations that the votes were immediately destroyed after the results were announced, and that the votes were counted in a separate room far from the assembly hall where voting took place without observers of the two bid cities in attendance mean that the committee members are unprepared for an objective assessment of the botched bid. This way, valuable lessons from the bungled bid would be lost and mistakes would be repeated. To prevent this from happening, a commission of enquiry should be set up to probe the handling of the bid process. The loss of the bid is painful. The opportunity to improve on the infrastructure in Abuja and showcase the country's rich cultural heritage to the outside world through the games is lost for now. But 2018 is still there and Abuja is still free to apply. Nigeria should not allow its disappointment over the loss to jeopardise its chances of winning the right to host the 2018 games or to strain its relationship with member-countries. The time to start planning for the next bid is now.

Financial Standard