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World Athletic Recognition claim By Impeached Gusua Is manipulated-AFN President

Published

6 years ago

February 14, 2020

Findings from routine checks show that the claim of affirmation by impeached Ibrahim Gusau as Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, by World Athletics is completely false.

According to AFN President, Olamide George, he accused Shehu Ibrahim Gusau to have hijacked the password to the account of the AFN which gives him access to the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) to manipulate and change information that suites him.

“There is a code, which is the password of the federation’s website, which he (Gusau) hijacked from the former secretary. Since then, he has access to the CAA (Confederation of African Athletics), he can go and put whatever he can put, nevertheless, the IAAF (now WA) is looking into the matter,” George told The PUNCH.

“When you look at other countries in Africa, there is no country using the nomenclature General Director, other countries use Secretary General, these are questions that are begging for answers.

“In line with the AFN constitution, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development shall appoint the secretary for the federation.”

Reliable source from the ministry of sports revealed that Pepple whose name appeared on the WA website as AFN Secretary cannot be the secretary because he is not working with the ministry.

“For instance, there is no way Pepple a non- staff of the Ministry can be Secretary General because it contravenes the provisions of the code of governance to which all federations subscribe to. The Ministry appoints the treasurer and Secretary General.” A reliable source told BSN Sports.

“The AFN constitution which was adopted by its Congress in November 2017 via article 8.7.2 vested the power to appoint and renumerate the Secretary General of the federation in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria funds the activities of the AFN and 37 other sports federations established under the laws of Nigeria and each federation is run by its elected board members in accordance with its constitution without any form of interference.

“The authentic Secretary General is Adeniyi Beyioku. The WA is fully abreast of the development and also CAA over board developments which members are left to resolve. If unresolved the laid down process is very clear – a fact finding mission.

The reliable sources also revealed that the Ministry is about filing a strongly worded petition to World Athletics on behalf of the Nigerian government on the recent violations of the code of governance and the use of its website to perpetrate unwholesome acts.

The source insists they will not recognize or work with Gusau or Sunday Adeleye. The source added that the federal government is determined to pursue this case to a logical conclusion.

“Gusau has sued the federal government and the ministry over his impeachment. In less two years Gusau has been impeached twice. In 2019 June it took the Ministry to rescue him from being impeached by the same board members.” The source told BSN Sports

The sources also revealed that the ministry asked Gusau to account for government funds he received on behalf of AFN for various tournaments and championships. “It is government and public funds and he must account for it.” He said.

“He must also account for how and how he spent the $3,000 dollars money for the IAAF overpayment saga which he ought not to have touched.” He concluded.

With both factions set to hold the All Comers Athletics Competition in Akure, Ondo State and Ozoro, Delta State for the George and Gusau groups respectively this weekend, George said the population of athletes already in Akure shows he has the support of athletes in the country.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

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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