Kwara Sports Commission chairman says his critics misinterpreted facts

Commission

By Olayinka Owolewa

Ilorin, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Bola Mogaji, the Executive Chairman of Kwara Sports Commission (KSC), on Tuesday advised those accusing him of various wrongdoings to familiarise themselves with the regulations governing stadium facility management.

Mogaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin that the Commission was open to providing clarifications where necessary.

He had been accused of mismanagement and embezzlement of funds, related to the use of the main stadium by teams and football clubs.

“I believe the authors of that report have a narrow understanding of stadium facility management. While I could have taken legal action against them for attacking my reputation, I choose to advocate for peace and enlighten them,” Mogaji stated.

He was accused of collecting money directly from football teams and organisations for using the football pitch and bypassing the official government channel, the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS).

There was also claims that funds from stadium usage by clubs such as Osun United, Ekiti United and 10 Nationwide League One (NLO) clubs were paid into Mogaji’s private account.

They said the money involved was not used for stadium maintenance.

However, in his defence against these allegations, Mogaji said the facts involved were misinterpreted.

Mogaji said a total of N3 million was remitted to the Football Association’s account, out of which N1 million was allocated to the KSC, the entity responsible for managing the stadium.

“We faced delays in receiving this money as it required constant follow-ups with the officers. The entire process demonstrates the importance of adhering to statutory procedures, especially those concerning revenue remittances,” he stated.

The KSC Executive Chairman further said established protocols needed to be followed, while transparency in financial transactions was required, and any review of processes should align with statutory requirements.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OOH/OLAL

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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)