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IAAF $130,000 missing fund: AFN president call for EFCC intervention
IAAF $130,000 missing fund: AFN president call for EFCC intervention
The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Ibrahim Gusau has condemned in totality the alleged conspiracies by some officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to blame him for the refusal to return the world athletics body, IAAF,’s $130,000 mistakingly paid into the covers of the Nigeria’s affiliate AFN which he called a pure wickedness, calling on the Nigeria anti graft agencies to carry out a comprehensive investigation on the matter.
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Gusau maintained that for once he never had any dealings with the so called money.
And reacting specifically to the allegation by the former minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung that thirty nine million Naira (N39 million) from the IAAF money was released to him, Gusau explained how and who the money was released to.
“At Asaba 2018, there was an LOC (Local Organising Committee). the Delta state government took over the responsibility to host 54 countries for the Senior All Africa Athletics Championship. It was supposed to be Lagos State, Lagos State failed and then Delta State took over.
“And in between, they fixed their stadium, they prepared to do the hosting. At that time the AFN donated its powers to the LOC which we were not on board then. So, in essence there was no duty for Athletics Federation of Nigeria
“Now, nobody is from Ghana here. The event arrived; August 1st to August 5th, and we had about 86 Athletes. 86 Athletes were going to compete for Nigeria and I almost had a demonstration on my hand for those that were in Asaba knew the Nigerian athletes at a point almost abstain from competing for Nigeria.
“Two things came up, 1- their kits, 2- their allowances. These issues came up and i have documents where the Permanent Secretary confirmed that he held a discussion with the Technical Director and the SG and they agreed on an amount of thirty million Naira for the kits of 86 Athletes plus officials. That is thirty million Naira, right?.
“Now remaining the nine million Naira. allowances for 86 athletes and officials, which we had to now plead with the athletes again, begging them that it will be a very big embarrassment, and do not forget there was a big embarrassment on the arrival of athletes at the airport.
“We were able to go out of that embarrassment. The next level was the issue of allowances. So, the nine million Naira was only able to pay fifty percent of their allowances, and the remaining fifty percent, till today I have been writing and writing that athletes have been asking for the balances of fifty percent. I can confirm to you, for those that know and for the benefit of those that does not know me and with all humility, thirty million Naira is nothing to Ibrahim. My integrity is more better than that money being discussed.
“I have been a sports sponsor and activist for a very long time, about two decades and a half. And i felt i will bring value, i will bring resources and i think i have archived that. Because if it is only at one event that they are claiming that they gave thirty nine million Naira, gentle men and ladies i have events that where held, more than fifty events. At some point I went to Ghana and i asked for funding to go to Ghana for the ECOWAS Junior, no one listened to me. I had to ferry those athletes in a bus. And we went and Nigeria became the winners of ECOWAS with about 17 gold medals. So also in Abidjan and for some of you that are aware, I called Lagos and i got a bus, I called Delta State and i got a bus. From fueling to feeding to transportation to payments of others I found ways of handling that work. We presented about 92 athletes.
“Ladies and gentlemen I am pleased to present myself for proper investigation by inviting all the investigative organizations in Nigeria, be it the Police, ICPC, EFCC, to investigate AFN and the ministry to confirm if Ii have been found wanting in this issue.
My name has been battered, TV stations, Radio stations carrying my name, but as I said to you I have my evidences. I don’t approve any payment, I don’t approve any schedule. The two people in charge of the account in the Federation are people from the sports ministry and of course you know their loyalty is to the ministry,” he concluded.
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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.
More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.
The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.
Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.
The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.
Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.
Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.
Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.
The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.
Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.
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