BEIJING - Nigeria will not be deterred by its failure to win the hosting right of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The Federal Government will bid to host the 2018 Games, the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, said yesterday in Beijing.
In an interview with newsmen, Ogbulafor said hosting major international sports competitions like the Olympics, contributed to the development of the hosting nations.
“The gain of hosting major international games cannot be quantified. The benefits are in chains. They include infrastructural development, trade and business opportunities,” said Ogbulafor.
He noted that China, once a third world country, has moved to the class of developed country, adding that the perception of many first-time visitors to the country has changed because of the Olympics.
“Hosting the Olympics has opened the eyes of first time visitors to China and it is a strong indication that the country has moved from third world country to a developed nation.
“The cities can be compared to any great city in the world, and from the comment of everybody here the Games are one of the best Olympics,” Ogbulafor said.
He noted that the government had used the Games to provide additional infrastructure to its citizens.
“With the hosting of the Games, the Chinese government has provided additional infrastructure for the people, new roads, Games Village, hospitals and hotels were constructed.
“Their environmental system had been improved upon.
“But after the Games and the departure of the visitors, it is the citizens who will benefit from the infrastructure provided, certainly the visitors will not go with those facilities.
“We had a similar experience in Abuja towards hosting of the 8th All Africa Games, roads were constructed, a Games Village was built and one of the best stadia in Africa was built.
“Nigerians are the ones benefiting from them now,” Ogbulafor said.
“Sports is now used the world over to build nations.
It has gone beyond mere recreation and entertainment.
It is now used for international politics, promotion of international image of the nations and development of the economy.
“I know Nigeria as a nation has the capacity and ability to bid and host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”
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