The Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji has denied allegations of nepotism, favoritism and mismanagement of funds leveled against the commission by the Kwara State Para-Sports athletes over the just concluded National Para – Festival held in Abuja.
The Sports Commission Debunked the allegation on Wednesday while addressing members of the press inside the conference room of the Sports Commission.
The Chairman stated that since the inception of the commission, it’s has given fair ground to all sports, including Para-sports adding that the allegation of nepotism and favoritism is false.
“The just concluded Para-Festival was first of its kind and Kwara State did present contingent despite the short notice from the organizers which prevented some states from participating, Kwara contingent participated as a result of the commitment of the Governor to sports development.
“Kwara State Sports Commission repaired and fuelled two coaster and two hummer buses ahead of the competition despite getting approval to participate in the competition late.
“Despite the limited resources, Kwara State has maintained it’s upward increment in the payment of allowance to the athletes which is higher than what their counterpart from other states receive. On compassionate ground, the Commission also paid allowance for 10 days instead of 8 days in order to motivate the athletes and coaches.
“The accusations some athletes leveled against the commission in the media were in bad faith saying the claims of funds diversion were totally untrue and unfortunate.
“We budgeted for purchase of equipment,. Camping and playing allowance for the athletes, coaches, secretaries , helpers, interprets, medical personnel, cleaners, driver and guides for the visually impaired athletes, among others to assist the contingent in the camp due to their challenges, which were approved and carried out accordingly.
“The Board member, representing para Sports, Mrs Baliqees Abolore Abdukadir, led the delegates, in company of the Director of Sports Development, Alhaji Sheu Olushola, and two other junior staff to help at the Technical and registration points.
“The allegation are misleading and an assault on the personalities of the Board Members and the Management.
“It also a deliberate attempt to sway the mind of the members of the the public on the laudable efforts of the state Government in changing the face of Sports in the State.
“The development can be described as corruption fighting back, due to dismissal of some of athletes suggestions that money meant for purchase of equipment be shared as against getting equipment to enhance effective and efficient training”.
The Sports Commission commend mature Journalist and media platform who always approach the Commission for the clarifications of issues before rushing to the press, urging the public not to mix politics with current reality and development in the states Sports sector.
