White elephant or wise investment?

The infrastructure has cost $300m

Are the All Africa Games a waste of money?

The Nigerian capital, Abuja, is currently the capital of African sport.

As the All Africa Games comes to a climax, more than 6,000 athletes from over 50 countries will have competed for medals.

The facilities have cost Nigeria millions of dollars to build.

The World Bank has raised concerns about the amount of money spent on the construction of the new National Stadium complex which has cost several hundred million dollars.

VOTE Are the Games a wise investment or a white elephant? Wise investment White elephant Results are indicative and may not reflect public opinion

It says the amount is exorbitant and should be used to address massive poverty and other social crises in the country.

The Nigerian Government says the games with bring a "stronger sense of unity" to the country.

There is a 60,000-seater stadium, a cycling velodrome, indoor and outdoor sports arenas, a swimming complex and a massive athletes' village.

The BBC's Africa Live! programme asks is this a government ego-trip wasting valuable resources needed for healthcare and education?

On the other hand, when athletes perform their best, break records, gain exposure and bring pride to their country, you may think it is all worth it.

Are the games facilities are an investment for the future or an obscene white elephant?

Join the BBC's Africa Live programme Wednesday 15 October at 1630 and 1830 GMT.

Use the form to send us your comments, some of which will be published below.

If you would like to take part in the discussion, e-mail us with your telephone number.

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There seems to be a double standard operating whenever an African nation spends money on anything other than debt relief. Millions of Americans live in poverty and have no health insurance; the British health service and UK transport infrastructure is falling apart because of lack of investment and 11,000 French people died in this summer's heatwave, yet all three countries are bidding for the 2012 Olympics and no ono is pointing a finger.
Rob, USA

Nigeria should not be condemned but praised. Afterall Nigeria is offering just $300million for games so Africans can come and enjoy themselves whilst Bush is asking for $87billions so more American and British soldiers can be killed in Iraq.
Nzekwe Amechi, Nigerian in Netherland

Nigeria is a country that has faced a whole lot of problems including ethnic and religious conflicts so for the country to organise the All Africa Games is no waste at all. It is like making a sacrifice to appease the gods and foster unity amongst it's own people.
Sebiyam Dawuni Joel ,Ghana

I think the construction of the new stadium will benefit not only Nigeria, but the whole of Africa. It is a good opportunity for world class African athletes to meet and share their experiences.
Zekarias, Ethiopia

I do not think that Nigeria's investment is a collosal waste of money but I believe that it was wrongly timed. I would rather the money had beeen used to aleviate poverty or other issues directing affecting its peoples welfare. It is like leaving a huge sore to treat a scratch.
Joseph Onibokun, Nigeria

Nigeria's wealth from oil on an annual basis does not go beyond, at the maximum, $2 billion yet they have just spent $300 million dollars on the games. I cannot fathom how spending well over 10% of a nation's annual earnings on a two week fiesta is a unifying factor or an investment especially when there is a shortage of fuel, frequent blackouts, bad roads, and a high crime rate amongst the other socio-economic ills plaguing most of the 120 million Nigerians. Can you?
Aisha Martins, New York, USA

What these games will demonstrate is that there's more to Africa than AIDS and AK-47's and the effort alone is a tribute to those who have the vision and courage to stage them. This effort and the money spent on it has far more potential value than many will perceive and more events of this type are sorely needed to enhance the image of a continent that has such great potential. Not today, not tomorrow and perhaps not in this decade, but there will be a time when Africa unites, a continent of secure nations and then - the rest of the world will not only listen, but do so eagerly and - with respect.
Aaron Kfir, Canada

We are a poor continent where three square meals a day is a problem for a majority of the people. Investing in this type of venture will not help Africa in the long run but will rather create more problems.
Ikemefuna Okeke, England

The head says these games are a waste of money, but the heart tells me that when Africans have the opportunity to come together and put their troubles behind them, however briefly, they should seize it. There is far too much bad news coming out of Africa, it is time to embrace that rare thing, a good news event.
Andrew Black, England

I just wonder how many millions of dollars found their way into the pockets of the programme coodinators in addition to the huge amounts said to have been spent on building the infratructure for the Games in Nigeria.
Mariama D Diop, USA

I speak from a position, of someone who has been to the games, travelling from the UK to watch the events in Abuja. From what I've seen, it has brought the people of Africa together like nothing else has for a while. And it's a pity the western press are focusing on only the negative aspects as opposed to the good it is doing to both African sports and for the people.
Samuel Ayigbe, UK

This is another white elephant project just like FESTAC '77. Go to FESTAC town and you will see what I mean.
Suzan, Nigeria

I belieave that is not a waste because the leaders could have use the money instead on their girlfriends.
Sunday Ogba Kalu, Nigeria

I think that games and sports is a serious example of not having your priority's straight. Here you are with a continent that leads the world in poverty, AIDS, civil strife everywhere and your telling me that Africa can afford playing games! Every single dollar should be spent on re-building the African continent and bringing order to the African continent.
Ajani, USA

If these countries should get rid of massive poverty first, for them, facilities such as the one under discussion will wait for ever.
Ebi Ogbaide, Italy

It's rather unfortunate for the world bank to have concerns over expenditure on a project that will obviously bring about a positive development, boost the moral and unity among the African population, provide employment, all and more, which may well demonstrate competence on the part of Africa. Do not crush the confidence of the child when all they need is encouragement and more resources to grow.
Nelly Wamui-Golova

It appears the West feels very insecure when something good comes from Africa! A few weeks ago Nigeria launched a satelite into space, again it was not good for the West! But when we rent your satelites it is ok! How is that? Well done Nigeria, long live Africa!
Atu Mwakyoma, Tanzania

Frankly so much money has been put into alleviating poverty in that country with no success. Maybe they need to start using their resources to do other things and poverty will take its leave. Confidence is a big factor and any confidence boosters will always motivate a poor man. Things like space satelites and brand new world class stadiums definitely increase the sense of confidence in the whole populace and makes them want to work more to improve their country's image.
Farouk Momoh, Canada

The thought itself is noble but the level of corruption associated with the project is frightening. No game in the history of hosting similar games have been this expensive. The outrageous amount used for the constuction of the stadium is an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians. The number of flats claimed to have been built was less than what actually built for which millions have been paid. The whole excercise is a shame to the integrity of Nigerians.
Brian Esema, Nigeria

Yes! It is important. You will only understand this when you live in one of these industrialised countries. Everything said about Africa is distorted.
Rex Ofosu, U.S.A

Well designed and built sport structures are important investments for Africa and the developing world. They will survive all political changes. The World Bank, since its creation has assited in the siphoning from the Third World and applauded rich countries getting richer and therefore has no solution to offer to alleviate poverty problems. Solutions will come, but from us africans and from the developing countries themselves.
Joseph H Blaise, Haiti

Waste of public resuorces is synonimous with returning African heads of state. Even before the games started the insensitive government was already thinking of raising fuel costs to cover their extravagance, then the suffering masses would pay for an edifice built to bolster the image of the rich.
Jackson Hyacinth, Accra,Ghana

You pretty much answered the question. We can talk about fiscal economic policies till our mouths and throats dry up. It is quite obvious that Nigeria is not ready for real change yet.
Olu , USA

Tell me which is bettter, having this project or having the money disappear into private pockets and foreign bank accounts? I think when an investment of this magnitude is realised in a country, they deserve praises. We should also remember that Africa has not been able to host the World Cup because of lack of infrastructure. So why discourage the Nigerians? It is my hope that the friends find the positive intention of the Nigerians.
Chester Aruk, Cameroon/USA

The facilities cost millions but the bridges they will build between Africans is priceless.
Dembe, Eritrea

The underlining word is EGO TRIP with the intent yet again to deceive and siphon millions of dollars that could have been used to provide basic health care. Nigerians are fed up with this infantile and deceptive slogan of "fostering African unity" especially when the home front is in total chaos.
Adiele Ohiaeri, USA

African nations cannot rely only on viable trade for their existence but on a well balanced combination of functions. Nations are not only about politics and economics, but also about social structures in a broader perspective. The games will enhance African unity and stability.
Elias Mutungi,Uganda/ USA

I believe the money spent is a good investment for Nigeria. A country that is regarded as the "Giant of Africa" should have an infrastructure that is befitting it's aspirations in the world arena.
Keith Okuoka, United Kingdom

The games facilities are in no way a waste of resources. After the games, the athletics village could be converted into a housing estate for the people in the city.
Goodhead T. Abraham, Nigerian/UK

A stronger sense of unity does not count without food.
M.B.Sulaiman,Nigeria.

Any investment in sports in Africa is a wise investment. People like George Weah, Kanu Nwankwo, Falilat Ogunkoya all came from very poor background and if it were not for sports, they would still be living in poverty today.
Yemi Adeleke, Brazil

Germany is going to host the 2006 World Cup. We have an education system which is in an alarming state, thousands of homeless people amongst them children sleeping rough. Are you going to question the wisdom of Germany to organise a world event of that magnitude? I think to question whether Nigeria can afford such an expense is somewhat arrogant.
Rita Meyer,Germany

Games, whether Olympics, Commonwealth, All African or Asian are directly or indirectly essential for world peace. People of different religions and cultural beliefs coming together to promote togetherness. Nigeria should be congratulated for hosting the games.
Ezeru Ukwuoma, Nigeria

The Western countries compete very hard for the right to host the Summer and Winter Olympics and the World Cup because they believe that these sporting events generate money. Instead of asking if African nations can sponsor sporting events of this magnitide, the World Bank should be looking for ways to guide Africa to use these events to stimulate their economies.
Dauda, Nigerian/USA

Which is better - millions spent on war or millions spent on unity games?
Cyril Odia Ondo, Nigeria

In light of the AIDS epidemic in Africa instead of building a sports arena, why not invest in health, education and REAL social services for the continent? What good will it be for Africa to have a sports arena if there will not be enough healthy people to use it?
Odessa Gross, Black American/USA

Just because Africans are wallowing in poverty does not mean that we cannot take time off to have fun. Of course this costs money but it is a good investment.
Paul Makasa, Zambian/Sweden

People do not expect anything from Africa other than war and corruption. The World Bank and other western players are becoming 'allergic' to positive things happening on the continent.
Eddie Taffie Madzara, Zimbabwe

Why all this fuss about the cost of the games anyway. Governments in Africa spend billions of dollars on arms and these arms come from the very same governments who provide aid to Africa. I think it is high time they spent this money on something that brings unity to Africa like sports.
Achiri, Cameroon

I do not think it is a waste of money for Nigeria to organise the All African Games. Why not use the money for the Olympics Games to help the millions of people starving in the world ?
Macnoble Akawason, Turkey.

What these games will demonstrate is that there's more to Africa than AIDS and AK-47's and the effort alone is a tribute to those who have the vision and courage to stage them. This effort and the money spent on it has far more potential value than many will perceive and more events of this type are sorely needed to enhance the image of a continent that has such great potential. Not today, not tomorrow and perhaps not in this decade, but there will be a time when Africa unites, a continent of secure nations and then - the rest of the world will not only listen, but do so eagerly and - with respect.

Aaron Kfir, Canada

We are a poor continent where three square meals a day is a problem for a majority of the people. Investing in this type of venture will not help Africa in the long run but will rather create more problems.
Ikemefuna Okeke, England

The head says these games are a waste of money, but the heart tells me that when Africans have the opportunity to come together and put their troubles behind them, however briefly, they should seize it. There is far too much bad news coming out of Africa, it is time to embrace that rare thing, a good news event.

Andrew Black, England

I just wonder how many millions of dollars found their way into the pockets of the programme coodinators in addition to the huge amounts said to have been spent on building the infratructure for the Games in Nigeria.
Mariama D Diop, USA

I speak from a position, of someone who has been to the games, travelling from the UK to watch the events in Abuja. From what I've seen, it has brought the people of Africa together like nothing else has for a while. And it's a pity the western press are focusing on only the negative aspects as opposed to the good it is doing to both African sports and for the people.

Samuel Ayigbe, UK

This is another white elephant project just like FESTAC '77. Go to FESTAC town and you will see what I mean.

Suzan, Nigeria

I belieave that is not a waste because the leaders could have use the money instead on their girlfriends.

Sunday Ogba Kalu, Nigeria

I think that games and sports is a serious example of not having your priority's straight. Here you are with a continent that leads the world in poverty, AIDS, civil strife everywhere and your telling me that Africa can afford playing games! Every single dollar should be spent on re-building the African continent and bringing order to the African continent.
Ajani, USA

If these countries should get rid of massive poverty first, for them, facilities such as the one under discussion will wait for ever.
Ebi Ogbaide, Italy

It's rather unfortunate for the world bank to have concerns over expenditure on a project that will obviously bring about a positive development, boost the moral and unity among the African population, provide employment, all and more, which may well demonstrate competence on the part of Africa. Do not crush the confidence of the child when all they need is encouragement and more resources to grow.
Nelly Wamui-Golova

It appears the West feels very insecure when something good comes from Africa! A few weeks ago Nigeria launched a satelite into space, again it was not good for the West! But when we rent your satelites it is ok! How is that? Well done Nigeria, long live Africa!

Atu Mwakyoma, Tanzania

Frankly so much money has been put into alleviating poverty in that country with no success. Maybe they need to start using their resources to do other things and poverty will take its leave. Confidence is a big factor and any confidence boosters will always motivate a poor man. Things like space satelites and brand new world class stadiums definitely increase the sense of confidence in the whole populace and makes them want to work more to improve their country's image.
Farouk Momoh, Canada

The thought itself is noble but the level of corruption associated with the project is frightening. No game in the history of hosting similar games have been this expensive. The outrageous amount used for the constuction of the stadium is an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians. The number of flats claimed to have been built was less than what actually built for which millions have been paid. The whole excercise is a shame to the integrity of Nigerians.

Brian Esema, Nigeria

Yes! It is important. You will only understand this when you live in one of these industrialised countries. Everything said about Africa is distorted.
Rex Ofosu, U.S.A

Well designed and built sport structures are important investments for Africa and the developing world. They will survive all political changes. The World Bank, since its creation has assited in the siphoning from the Third World and applauded rich countries getting richer and therefore has no solution to offer to alleviate poverty problems. Solutions will come, but from us africans and from the developing countries themselves.

Joseph H Blaise, Haiti

Waste of public resuorces is synonimous with returning African heads of state. Even before the games started the insensitive government was already thinking of raising fuel costs to cover their extravagance, then the suffering masses would pay for an edifice built to bolster the image of the rich.

Jackson Hyacinth, Accra,Ghana

You pretty much answered the question. We can talk about fiscal economic policies till our mouths and throats dry up. It is quite obvious that Nigeria is not ready for real change yet.
Olu , USA

Tell me which is bettter, having this project or having the money disappear into private pockets and foreign bank accounts? I think when an investment of this magnitude is realised in a country, they deserve praises. We should also remember that Africa has not been able to host the World Cup because of lack of infrastructure. So why discourage the Nigerians? It is my hope that the friends find the positive intention of the Nigerians.

Chester Aruk, Cameroon/USA

The All African games, launch of the Nigerian Satellite, President Obasanjo's too frequent trips out of Nigeria with a retinue of over 100 Ministers, hangers-on and personal aides (ostensible to attract 'foreign investors'), all fall within the character of a Government incredulously bent on ruining the Nigerian economy. Some countries have earthquakes and volcanic explosions; others have hurricanes, mudslides and rivers overflowing their banks. In Nigeria, we have the government of General Olusegun Obasanjo - a 'natural disaster'

E. Eluchie, Nigeria

Hosting the games is good but the amount spent is simply outrageous. The government and the organizers have simply used the opportunity to line their pockets with public funds. We all know that.

Emem Umoh, Lagos, Nigeria

Because we can't afford to prepare such games doesn't mean we shouldn't do sport. We are optimistic that one day Africa will become a major economic and politcal player in the world.

Dereje Lemma,/Ethiopian/ Germany

It is a catch 22 situation. On one hand the government should be investing in projects to help eradicate poverty but on the other hand a good tournament can also help bring about massive investments to the continent not only in the areas of sport. So let's stop all the negativity and think of the positives.

George Pedro, British/Nigerian

This is another manifestation of the financial wrecklessness of our leaders. How can a reasonsible leader expend such amount of money on what they call "unity" when when we have no roads and no health care system, etc.? Is "unity" more important than good roads and good hospitals, prompt payment of salaries of hard working civil servants, etc.? Our leaders prefer their "unity" slogan because it is another avenue for stealing our money. There are already stories circulating that the hotel bills for the participants at the games have not been paid. So where has the money gone? Of course, it is been spent on "unity." God save us!
Thomas Akpen, U.S.A.

Africa produces many of the best athetes in the world. I don't see why they should not compete against each other. Sports is not measured in money, it is the parade of friendliness, unity and goodwill.
Mike Aziz, Vancouver, Canada

Nigerians always decieve themselves they are the giants of Africa, when it cannot boast of as basic an infrastructure as stable power supply.
Rajiwa Adamu, Nigeria

It's just another big scam for Obasanjo and his cohorts to embezzle money from inflated contracts.

Prince Adewale Akanbi, Canada

I am sure the Nigerians will stamp out any threat of embezzlement and corruption that could affect the smooth operation of the complex after the All Africa Games is over, less and surely the prediction of 'white elephant' would prove true.

Debebe D, UK

What baffles me is that the government keeps complaining of lack of funds to rehabilitate the country's oil refineries but they still have huge amount of money to spend on projects like this. I just hope that the president himself understands that the future of the country lies on the leadership it receives!

Obijiaku frank, Nigeria

African Governments spend billions on fanfare events, but they spend very little on much needed infrastructure, attracting capital or lowering sky high interst rates.

Alan, USA

Healthcare and education are always put forward as the most important reasons for using money. But if you did not have sport and other forms of entertainment would it be worth living?

Brian Quinn, Tenerife

Most African leaders think that spending huge sums of money on preparation and having the facilities shown on television is testimony that things are going on well in their countries. But they fail to notice the acute shortage of basic necessities like water and electricity.

Benedict Akeh, Cameroon

I believe that it is a worthwhile investment. If the US can spend billions of dollars to prosecute a war in the search for weapons of mass destruction I don't think that allowing Africa to show case its best is a waste

Tunde Alao, Nigeria

To be honest I am sick of people questioning every move an African country makes. China is to invest in a manned space flight despite many people there living in poverty yet no one has made a big fuss about it .It is time to lay off our backs for real.
Felix Miheso, Kenyan/USA

The state of the economy in Nigeria is pathetic. Nigeria needs so much to do to give leadership to the rest of Africa on responsible governance. Spending so much of public funds to stage the game, in the face of pervasive decay of infrastructure is a shame!

Jide Yusuf, Nigeria

All Africa Games is very important to Africans. It will bring a stronger sense of unity to Africans, but not to Nigerians as reportedly claimed by the Nigerian Government. Past and present Nigerian leaders have failed to unite their people. Corruption and tribalism are the order of the day. Igbos have not been fully reintegrated into the Nigerian fold. There is little or no federal presence in the eastern states. Past leaders that looted the country have not been probed. Elections have been rigged with impunity. For the Nigerian Government to claim that the Abuja All Africa Games will bring a stronger sense of unity to the country if this is true is SILLY. The Abuja project is a white elephant project in the first order. A country that has been classified amongst the 20 poorest countries in the world should not embark on such a project while her people are suffering.

Chief Charles O. Okereke, USA

Definitely a waste of resources. But seeing that the people in the government have access to the resources like health care(flying their spouses abroad) Good education e.t.c they will never consider it a waste of resources

Deniye, Canada

I think the World Bank should be more concerned with the misuse of funds in areas such as fighting senseless wars, buying of votes, careless expenditure on leaders, etc.If properly used, the complex will acrue a lot of money for the nation in a not so distant future. Therefore, all that is required is proper management and transparency. The government should put its management in the hands of people with absolute integrity and a passion for the country. I think when this is done, what seems a waste will turn to be investment through which many problems such as unemployment, education and others would be addressed.
Rev. Paul Bala Samura, Sierra Leone/Lagos, Nigeria

Money spent on sport doesn't just disapear. The money goes to builders and construction workers etc etc. Local hotels and shops also benefit and the country also gains a good worldwide image.

Ben, UK

It can never be a waste of money as long as it goes a long way to promote sports in the continent, which is a major unifying factor. It is much better to spend the money on these games than on useless civil wars.

Achiri, Cameroon/Egypt

Imagine the number of hospitals and urban houses they could have built and the improvements in economic sectors they could have brought about if the money was spent wisely. Expenditure on sports should be given the second priority preceded by basic needs.
Joe, Ethiopia

As uusal it's a big misplaced of piriority! When clean drinking water, power and good health care is not available to 90% of the populace!
Aminu Hammanyero, Nigeria

Of course its a waste of money but then who are we to judge. Don't we pay athletes millions to play and perform while we have people in poverty both in Europe and in the US.

Ole , USA

After the foundation of AU, Africa is going in the right direction. The games in Nigeria is another leap forward. Viva the new beginning.

Gebremeskel Yohannes, USA

What is happening in Nigeria is reminiscent of FESTAC' 77 when the same man was in power. It is very unfortunate that the government could spend so much for an event that lasts just a week and a half. With the high level of social malaise and widespread poverty in place, you can be sure that those facilities would eventually be vandalised. It is the same government that loses sleep over her failure to increase the pump price of gas. On a critical look, this government has no feelings whatsoever!

Ekundayo Shittu, Ontario, Canada.

At some point unfair policies, especially trade, towards Africa, will be found to be the real issue threatening the poor in Africa. In the meantime, we need to live and if the stadium costs that much, they also create some economic utility. Africa may be poor but it does not mean we need to be sentenced to a life of deprivation.

Folson Ako, Ghana

This is money well spend for the developement for future of Nigerian sport. At least the officials did not steal the money for this massive project this time and they should be applaud for a job well done.

Desmond ,ufuomski, Atlanta ,U.S.A

I don't see any problem with the country spending such a huge amount for the development of sport. Where were you thinking for Africa to host these games? In the nice stadias in Europe? Someone has to take the lead in Africa's infrastructural development. We have been backward for too long.

Kwasi Yirenkyi, USA

As former broadcaster and football commentator, I think Africa should rather move on to have something like the Africa Open in Tennis where the rest of the world will participate. The World Bank has its own agenda when it comes to Africa so one must be careful with this organization.

Kwame Antwi-Boasiako, Ghana/USA

And lest we forget, Nigeria has also recently launched a most senseless space project, even though it has proved unable to provide electricity or basic healthcare to its people. Yet, there are millions of people out there who still blame the merciless impoverishment of our people on EU subsidies (remember Cancun?). This is how absurd the "Africa debate" has become.

UE, UK/Nigeria

A white elephant indeed. A country without shame.

Emeka Ekwulugo,M.D., U.S.A.

"It says the amount is exorbitant and should be used to address massive poverty and other social crises in the country". Well, the same World Bank has got a whole lot of uncompleted project all over Nigeria which has amounted to the over invoiced debt we are in, which is largely responsible for the wide spread poverty and corruption in Nigeria right now. Don't forget there were a lot of poor people in Egypt when the pyramid was built, also when the first olympic arena was built in Athens, but today these monuments stand out as a way of making money for the great grand children of the then poor people.
Seye Ogunrotimi, Nigeria

Only very few Nigerians will ever have the oppurtunity to ever see the stadium and the velodrome because they have little bearing on our lives. They will have limited use, and the maintenance will be erratic.
Gafar Rasheed, Nigeria

Surely from here Nigeria can even aspire to host the football World Cup or the Olympics. As long as the hipocrite West accepts to bank the looted money from Africa we can never fight poverty.Let Nigeria's Abuja glitter with the new infrastructure.

J M Ooko, Kenya

Africa as most us know is full of white elephants. Africans are still searching for the ideal thing that will identify them, it all started with pan africanism and lately the african union, including the disastrous dreams and experiments by our despots which turned a rich continent in to a busket case. The All Africa Games is one of these dreams ,which is also a conduit used by governing thieves to siphon funds and indulge in extravagance. I am dreaming a better dream, the day we shall emanicipate ourselves from all this scum.

richard kihumba, kenya

This event is important because it is a catalyst for all others sectors of the economy to progress. We depend by our self to develop and we must have a great dream.

Bernardo Sa, Guinea-Bissau

Why not? This is the only event that can assist in promoting our African oneness. We are proud to be together as Africans and hope that the arrangement of togetherness averts more hostility. I cherish the idea of being together as a family and this is the time.

Elvis Chimphonda, Malawi

I think a continent as big as Africa with all its rich resources deserve better than just meeting the basic standards. The Nigerians have set a trend for other African countries which host these games to follow.

Kofi Bampoe, Ghana

The World Bank should know that Nigeria has just taken a step which is worth the price. After all Africa can never be denied the right of hosting a sport event on the basis that it doesn't have modern facilities. I am also sure that Nigerians are not naive enough to spend all the national budget on one sector, it was planned.
Joseph Kaifala, Sierra Leone

Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Wembley Stadium (which must have cost a fortune in its time) were all constructed in days when the poverty level in the UK was extremely acute. When people lived ten to a room in the cities of London, Liverpool and Leeds, when many worked in workhouses in an environment that was identicaL to slave labour in everything thing but name. Of course such construction was seen as investment in the future, while fulfilling prestige needs of the elite, and even the nation at large. Same goes for Nigeria. I also wonder why such little coverage has been given to the games by the BBC website, while you make all these efforts (such as this forum thread) to promote a negative public impression of the tournament.
Patrick Okafor, Nigeria

I think it is time we stop listening to the World bank and all other countries on their views of what we do. It is clear that the World bank and the world powers are intent on keeping the resources of the world circulating amongst themselves. I think the investment is a wise one if and only if the facilities are maintained.
Tosin, Nigeria

Anything that brings about positive news about Africa,and sheds more light on Nigeria and Abuja in particular is a welcome development.
Patrick, Nigeria

This is another classic example of the most obvious and wrongful kinds of wasteful spending by the Obasanjo government. I do not see what gain or difference this ego trip will make to the average Nigerian who is not in the least interested in the games. To say that the fancy games facilities are an investment for the future is a serious joke as they will deteriorate sooner than later in the Nigerian maintenance culture. The government's motto should become "waste beyond your wildest dreams".
K. Adetona, Canada

Yes it totally worth it. You invest to get your returns on investment. If you give it to the poor, what money would you give back to the poor in the future. The returns would benefit all Nigerians
kofi, Ghana

I was in Kenya when the country hosted the games in 1987. The facilities are still there although they are now in disuse. This is a national shame. The biggest question is whether African countries will be able to utilize these facilites especially taking into account they still have to repay the debts borrowed to construct them. In my opinion, it is a good idea to host the games but governments should make a careful judgement especially as concerns investment returns and not merely national pride
Mutebi Mubiru, New York USA

Sports is undoubtedly a good way of fostering unity amongst countries, but what Nigerians needs is investment in ourselves with the goal to redicate poverty, illiteracy and provide a good feeling of unity not to outsiders but to ourselves.The love of ourselves is in this case the begining of wisdom

Majekodunmi Kunmi, USA

The Soviets spent a great deal of time and money on sport....where has it taken them?
Mohammed, Mali

The amount spent to host the game in Nigeria is a complet waste considering the country cannot guarantee it citizens steady electricity, good telecommunications, good running water, food or cheap fuel prices.
Chukwudi Ajoku, Nigerian in USA

Socially, physically and healthwise, it is wortwhile.It makes us more happy than others as you are already aware.
Dr Wodi Samuel.A., Germany

Nigerians should know that what we have a President who is is a Party-man. He hosted the All Black festival in the Seventies and the massive infrastructure invested then in Lagos are all rotten. Believe me, before he concludes his new and hoepfully last tenure, he would have dragged Nigeria into another hosting event. Partying means more to him that the health and education of the Nigerian child.
Chidi Nwamadi, Nigeria

The question about, if the All Africa Games is a waste of money, is irrelevent. The establishment of the World Cup, the American Open, the British Open and the French open were never questioned. Why should the All African Games be? It is not the money that counts, but the coming together of the African continent, through sports.
Anthony Blidi, United States

If Africa is to host any game of International magnitude, isn't it time for at least one country on the continent to start showing some seriousness towards that? Nigeria has more resources than Greece that is hosting the forthcoming Olympics. Now that Nigeria has jettisone dictatorship and embraced multiparty democracy, the country should be encouraged to participate and to use an event like the olympics to attract investors to Nigeria thereby contributing in addressing the underdevelopment that the Western world always talk about. Nigeria has done the right thing by using the All African games to bring the youth together. New friends will be made, ideas will be exchanged, after all these are the leaders of tomorrow.
PHILIP MOGBOCK, USA

Nigeria is wasting mmoney with the All Africa Games when her citizens are dying of starvation and unemployment.
Izekor Kadiri Shaka, Nigeran

One of the excuses international sporting organizations have always given for not holding international sports tournaments in Africa is lack of facillities. It is ironic that the world bank should compalin that the Nigerian sports complex is a wate of money. My only hope is that this facillity will not be left in the hands of a government who will see it erode faster than the time they took to build it.
Cillaty Daboh, USA / Sierra Leone

I'm tired of the British putting down every good thing Nigeria tries to do. If Nigeria had not built this modern sports facility, it would have been derided.
Okas Ndukwe, USA

The more games, the bigger the money the country will earn because many people will come and leave thousands of dollars in the motels, hotels, resturants at the shows.
Manyanga, Sudan

I think the money should have been used to help aliviate the suffering masses
Abiodun Sansa, Kano, Nigeria

How can one justify spending hundreds of millions of dollars on projects that in no way alleviates the cronic poverty level of 95 % of Nigerians. It is only in Nigeria can the masses be starving from hunger, while their leaders pay little attention to elevating their standard of living, embark on this ridiculous projects and get away with it.
Stanley Duru, U.S.A

I definetly don't think that the All Africa Games are a waste of money. At a time when Africa is going through an epidemic that is slowly wiping out the continent (Aids) , anything to lift the spirit of Africa is a welcome. The All Africa Games create unity and a sense of African pride that we desperately need.
Nicholas Ngugi, Kenyan in USA