'Commonwealth, Now Major Force On Global Matters'

President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has said the Commonwealth of Nations has progressed from being just a handful of nations representing former British colonies to a major force on global matters. According to him, Nigeria remains a proud member of the Commonwealth and a strong promoter of its unique objectives.

A statement from the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Ima Niboro, said Yar'Adua made the remarks Saturday through the Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, who received the Queen's baton for the Commonwealth Games on the president's behalf from members of the Queen's baton team in State House, Abuja.

It said the President described the Queen's baton as "a unique tool for spreading the Commonwealth spirit", pointing out that Nigerian athletes have always joined their counterparts from other member nations to radiate the spirit of friendship and unity through the quadrennial Commonwealth Games.

His words: "The Commonwealth has progressed from being just a handful of nations representing former British colonies to a major global force on matters of universal peace, democracy, human rights, economic and social development, as well as youth development and sports."

He then wished the Queen's baton team a successful journey and safe arrival at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Games in Delhi, India.

The VP formally received the prestigious Queen's baton on behalf of Mr. President from Sports Minister, Sani Ndanusa.

Regional Vice President (Africa) of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Abdoulie Touray, who led the Queen's baton team to Nigeria, thanked the Nigerian Government for the warm reception accorded his team, and for successfully hosting the concluded U-17 FIFA World Cup, saying Nigeria made Africa proud.

In his remarks, Habu Ahmed Gumel, President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, said it is a good omen that the Queen's baton is visiting Nigeria for the third consecutive time, attributing it to the Commonwealth's recognition of Nigeria's high profile among member nations in its fold.

Other government functionaries who witnessed the baton presentation were the Honourable Minister of FCT, Adamu Aliero, Director-General, National Sports Commission, Patrick Ekeji, and Presidential aides.

The Queen's baton relay is one of the greatest traditions of the Commonwealth Games, having been the curtain-raiser to every edition of the Games since Cardiff 1958. The baton will travel through all the Commonwealth countries until it lands in Delhi, the host city for the 2010 Games.