NSC Chairman Dikko, DG Charged to Stop Globetrotting, Sit at Home, Work for Nigeria's Sports

One of Nigeria's sports entrepreneur and Chairman and Board of Trustees of Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiative Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe has Charged the Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC) Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade to sit down and pay more attention to assignments in Nigeria's Sports.

He further emphasied that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not appoint them to be globetrotting the whole world,

as facts have it that since their appointment, both Mallam Shehu and his DG Olopade have traveled outside Nigeria 12 times  as spectators and had never signed any sports deal based on  the e-sports economy agenda of Mr. President.

In a press statement on Thursday and  made available to Journalists in Abuja, Gombe said, "The most embarrassing was when I saw the NSC Chairman travelling to one of the African countries to serve as CAF match Commissioner."

According to him, "If Dikko wants to keep functioning as Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) match commissioner, he should first resign as NSC Chairman, both assignments are not equal. I believe his incompetence on the NSC job have started to show.

Gombe positted that Mallam Shehu Dikko's  position is equivalent to being Nigeria's Sports Minister with huge responsibility and  should stop embarrassing Nigeria.

This is not League Management Commission, (LMC) It is National Sports Commission.

Again, Bukola Olopade  who is stirring the all-important  National Sports Festival Committee supposed to sit down as NSC's Administrative head  but he is busy following footballers, weightlifters the whole places, a job naturally, designated for Sports Federation Presidents.

"They should stay in Nigeria and work.  Unfortunately, since their appointment, Nigerian Sports have no visible direction.

They harp about sports economy and have gone to the President to tell him all sorts of things, the next thing they did was load pictures, videos for people see because that's the tactics they deployed to deceive Mr. President."

Details of the Statement read thus..

"You don't run sports in the Media. Sit down, with your DG and work.

Stop behaving like a permanent secretary or Managing director or Chairman of a company, you suppose to function with board of directors, it is in the Act that established NSC"

"Any arbitrary decision you take is illegal and could be challenged in a court of Competent jurisdiction, because you are not supposed to take arbitrary decisions as Chairman or DG against the provisions of the NSC Act as other institutions that  would have been on the NSC Board are being denied their rightful places as part of Nigeria's project to exercise their enterprise, but you cut them off and two of you sat down to decide what you like, spending Nigeria's money any how".

"Let me remind you, "Any money spent outside the provisions of NSC Act would be accounted for.

I trust you are aware of federal government circular that stipulates how many times public officers can travel with government funds outside the country in a quoter? Are you aware?

Sports is not an exception, all these trips you both are embarking on supposed to be approved  by the board.

It is the sports federations chairman that should be traveling with their teams and not you both.

You have not organized anything that would impact positively on Nigerian Sports since your appointment, it has been from receiving visitors to globetrotting",

"Hon. Olopade, appointed his friend Yusuf Ali in the Podium Finish project, that is fine and have started paying training grants to supposedly Elite athletes and Nigerians are asking, who are these athletes, what are there Names and categories, which countries are they domiciled?

Nigerians are demanding to see the list of elite athletes that received $20.000, $10.000 and $5.000. and their categories well written. It's public money.

Nigerians also want to know who gave Mallam Dikko the power to approve such money outside the board, what are the criteria for approval and release?

This is not how government works.

It is a shame that in this country, apart Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa/Ibom state, there's no other stadium in Nigeria  that meets CAF or FIFA standards to Host international football matches and NSC heads are busy traveling, is that not supposed to be worrisome to them?

The Remo- Ikene Stadium built by Chief Kunle Soname has become the only center in the South West for CAF matches and no other international match finals finals would be played there  except preliminaries.

The Remo- Ikene Stadium was only  considered based on the huge influence of sports loving Kunle Soname who  provided a jet for CAF officials to inspect the stadium. 

Otherwise, there wouldn't have been a chance to play in the Ikene stadium.

Now, Remo Stars FC have won the NPFL Cup, where would the team play their continental games?

Dikko,  Nigerians have given you an opportunity to change from your old ways, but you have not changed. 

Please sit down do the job given to you by Mr. President.

You have to put on your thinking Cap", Gombe said.

EFCC dragged to Court over refusal to investigate AFN President, former Scribe Mosindi and NSC DG, Olopade

The Federal High Court in Abuja has been asked to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) to investigate the petition filed by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Incorporated Trustees of Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiative over allegation of misappropriation, diversion of funds.

Further in its petition the NGO alleged corruption in the AFN levelled against the AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, former Secretary General, Rita Mosindi, and Bukola Olopade who is now the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC.

In the writ of summons made available to our correspondent, the plaintiff is seeking a declaration by the Federal High Court that, in pursuant to section 6 (b) and (h) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, the EFCC (the first defendant) has a mandatory duty to investigate all reported cases of economic and financial crimes.

The plaintiff is also seeking the leave of the court to declare that the EFCC's failure to conduct and conclude investigations on his petition dated 15th April 2024 is a dereliction of EFCC's statutory duty.  

The plaintiff is therefore seeking an order compelling the EFCC to commence and conclude investigations on his Petition as well as order compelling the AFN (second defendant) to assist the EFCC in the investigation of its Petition.

Also, the plaintiff is seeking an order of the Federal High Court to suspend Okowa and Mosindi as President and Secretary General from their offices during the period of the investigations as well as another order compelling Olopade to step aside as Director General of NSC during the period of the investigations and 'until such time the EFCC concludes its investigations on the Petition.

In its statement of claim, the Incorporated Trustees of Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiative, relying on the Audit Committee Report by the AFN and the Contractual Agreement between the AFN and Premium Trust Bank published in the Audit Committee Report, wants the EFCC to investigate why N70m was reportedly paid to AFN despite having a N100m a year contractual agreement with the AFN.

It claims this is contrary to the terms of agreement between the AFN and Premium Trust Bank which says the sponsorship money should be deposited in a special account set up for the purpose of the agreement and that it is from there payment of any of sort, including the N30m yearly commission to Olopade whose company, Nilayo Sports Management Company, acted as consultant to the AFN.

'During the performance of this Agreement, the Sponsor (Premium Trust Bank) has no financial obligation to Broker. The Broker shall be entitled to a yearly fee/commission which shall be paid through the SPV account to the tune of agreed percentage between AFN and the broker (Nilayo),' read article 4.11 of the Agreement. 

The Incorporated Trustees of Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiative also wants the EFCC to investigate how AFN president, Okowa paid himself (as the approving authority as contained in the AFN Constitution, 2017 and 2023 as amended) N40m for a purported loan he gave to the Federation without any agreement signed to that effect and which the (former) Secretary General confirmed in the Audit Report.

'There was no written agreement, but it was discussed in one of the Board meetings, that since there was delay in starting the competitions for the year, the President could fund some of the competitions to kickstart the activities of the year and will be reimbursed,' Mrs Mosindi (Secretary General) wrote in response to the AFN Audit Committee query but failed to provide the Minutes of the Meeting where it was mentioned and dicussed.

The purported loan was spent before the signing of the Agreement and article 3.1 was clear on what the sponsorship fee was meant for: 'The events shall cover all AFN organized or participated programs as agreed and designated by the AFN and the Sponsor.

It wants the EFCC to investigate which bank account the N70m was paid into by the broker (Nilayo Sports Management) since the (former) Secretary General admitted in writing in the Audit Report that the Special Bank Account as contained in the Agreement was yet to be opened.

' An SPV account is still underway to warehouse the Premium Trust money, we are still working on it with the Consultant to finalize the opening of the account,' Mrs Mosindi also wrote in another response to a query by the AFN Audit Committee after the N70m has been paid into an unknown account and spent.

Article 4.4 of the Agreement was clear on this: 'During the performance of this Agreement, an SPV account must be opened with Broker (Nilayo) and AFN as signatories.'

The Plaintiff says it was forced to take this action in furtherance of one of its registered objectives which is 'to initiate actions in public interest and welfare of Sports men and women in Nigeria.'

Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiatives

NSC Commends NSSF, NCF, SUBEB for Successful Inaugural National School Board Games

The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has commended the successful hosting of the inaugural National School Board Games, describing it as a significant step in the advancement of school sports in Nigeria.

The event, which featured chess in its pilot phase, was organized by the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Nigeria Chess Federation. With over 300 students from all six geopolitical zones competing in the U-9, U-12, U-15, and U-18 categories, the tournament provided a platform for young athletes to develop critical thinking, discipline, and competitive excellence.

Mallam Dikko, was represented at the event by Mr. Lanre Ogunjobi (Technical Assistant, Strategy & Research) and Barrister Uche George Egbe (Technical Assistant,Legal and Compliance) as well as Mrs Ada Nwachukwu, Zonal Head of the NSC Lagos office 

Also in attendance were the Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Mr. Jumiu Alli-Balogun, and the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, both of whom expressed strong support for the initiative.

Delivering the Chairman’s message, Mr. Ogunjobi reiterated the NSC’s commitment to school sports development as a key pillar of Nigeria’s overall sports growth strategy.

His words, "The National Sports Commission remains dedicated to fostering both intellectual and physical sports as part of our broader vision for national sports development. The successful hosting of the inaugural National School Board Games is a testament to our resolve to ensure that every aspect of sports receives the attention and investment required for sustained growth.”

The NSC recognizes school sports as a fundamental platform for talent discovery and development, with the potential to produce future champions who will represent Nigeria at the highest levels of global competition. The inclusion of chess in this pilot phase marks an important milestone, and the Commission is committed to expanding the initiative to incorporate additional sporting disciplines in future editions.

The NSC Chairman encouraged the students to remain dedicated to their aspirations. 

He continued, “Your efforts today are laying the foundation for greater achievements tomorrow, not just in chess, but in every area of life. It’s not about winning or losing, but the invaluable experiences gained that will shape your future. Continue to dream big, work hard, and stay committed to excellence. You are the future of Nigeria, and we are proud of each of you.”

The NSC commends the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Lagos SUBEB, the Nigeria Chess Federation, and all stakeholders for their efforts in delivering a successful and impactful event, and reaffirms its unwavering support for initiatives that promote youth engagement and talent development through sports.

Speaking at the event, the President of the NSSF, Dr. Olabisi Joseph, expressed appreciation to the NSC Chairman Mallam Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade for the support shown thus far. She also reaffirmed the NSSF’s commitment to grassroots sports development and stated that she looks forward to continued NSC support for the Federation’s programs, which have already been submitted to the Commission.

NSC, AFN officials poor attitude towards individual sponsored competitions worry stakeholders

 

Sports Stakeholders  across all sectors have frowned at the National Sports Commission (NSC)  and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) officials over their non challant attitude by not attending Competitions organised and sponsored by individual when invited.

During a media chat, Stakeholders noted that these national sports  agencies and their heads hardly attend privately sponsored sports  programme when invited.

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These views were expressed at the opening ceremony of the 5-day Gombe Inter-secondary School Athletics Championships at Pantami Stadium on Tuesday.

Speaking further, the organiser and sponsor of the Championship Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe regretted that concerned individuals would spend their hard earned funds to organise competitions invite the NSC and AFN officials and they won't attend.

Aside stakeholders saying they will officially table the matter before NSC and AFN hierarchy, Hon.Gara Gombe maintained that those governing sports at the national level seem not to care about individual sponsorship of sports Competitions because they will not benefit.

Gombe said, "This attitude is not limited to those at the national level, adding that at the State level, it is worse, they won't even send a representative". 

"How then would the private sector be encouraged to assist in sports sponsorship to help young talents grow in Nigeria, Gombe queries

Gara cautions FG on N78b to NSC

Sports entrepreneur and Chairman Gombe Athletics Association Hon. Gara Gombe has advised government not to drop a dime for the National Sports Commission as they are capable of raising funds to drive sports Nigeria.

He said in a statement released on Saturday to news men via his social media handle, insisting that those that claimed to have the capacity to woo sponsors should not be given a whooping sum of N78 billion to drive e-sports project.

His Statement reads thus..

"Presently, I have read reports disappointedly, in some media, especially Social media and some print media, even in some Television stations scrolled messages celebrating N78 billion federal government appropriated for the National Sports Commission.

 Unfortunately, the same people mandated to manage our sports are not ready to change their old past ways.

I remember, the same way they are celebrating the N78 billion was the same way they jubilated when Super Sports signed a contract with League Management Company (LMC) for a sponsorship totalling about N3 billion.

At the end of the day, the money was mismanaged and squandered., finally, Super Sports pulled out.

They are now celebrating N78 billion we have not seen. I am sure, when the funds are finally released, they will feast on it.

I want to inform Nigerians and the world in general, tax payers including the National Assembly and federal government not to release the money, though, budget is a document of intent, but whatever it is, Government should not release the money to the National Sports Commission (NSC). They are not ready, that place need to be sanitised first before such money should be released. I want them to prove me wrong.

Do we need to put N78 billion in Nigeria Sports, for what?

This same people talking about e-sports economy are already parading their Curriculum vitaes (CV) that they have the capacity and ability to raise funds for the growth of Sports in Nigeria. 

Sports Economy and Renewed Hope Agenda slogan they are shouting about is just deception, nothing is going to happen.

They don't have the credibility to be entrusted with public money in their care.

Remember, one of them NSC DG Bukola Olokpade is under investigation at the moment, the other one NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko was investigated by ICPC and his property seized. 

The money given to him in the past to manage LMC was mismanaged and was sacked.

The former sports minister Sunday Dare who sacked him is in the Villa.

When are we going to learn lessons? We must not give them money now until they are ready to change their ways. Nowhere in the world government spends such money, the NSC hierarchy should use their contacts, after all, they told us they have contacts, they should use it to raise money for sports economy.

Sports economy is not run through public funds.

This was the same deceit that took them to the Nigerian Stock Exchange where they Rang Bell (Gong) making people believe they are serious about raising money for Nigeria football, at the end of the day, it became a charade as nothing came out of it, even the sponsors they met in the office left.

We have to be careful, the campaign to sustain transparency, openness and accountability in sports must not abate, it should continue if government is serious about fighting corruption in Nigeria.

Effort should be made to re-establish Team Nigeria concept, appoint trustees and give them such money to manage, strictly for raising funds and managing same.

In a transitional manner government should withdraw from giving funds to sports.

Its sad that former Minister Sunday Dare claimed to have sourced and spent One Million Dollars from Aliko Dangote in renovating the Abuja Stadium. 

Unfortunately, today, from Badagry to Maiduguri, Nigeria don't have a standard Stadium that can host CAF and FIFA football games. And the man who allegedly used the money is hiding in Aso Rock as an aide to the President.

Do we also have to recall given someone N24 billion for Olympics and AFON and the fellow mismanaged the money, we didn't ask him to account for the money but simply deployed him to the Ministry of Trade and Investment to hide. Who do us this?

Sports sponsorship is a corporate world business, government only provides the enabling infrastructure. No government in this world pours N78 billion into sports to be managed by those that called themselves experts in sports marketing and promotion. No sponsor will see people with N78 billion to spend and agrees to come close.

The NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko's Property was seized by ICPC, he was removed as LMC chairman, and I don't want to know how he got back to the system. But for now, he is not ready to change his ways and we have seen it.

The NSC director general is also under investigation for allegedly collecting money from Federations.

I want to use this opportunity to inform all Federations and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to start preparing their books to give account of funds received from Sponsors such IOC, ANOCA and international Federations affiliated to them.

Sadly, I read a report where the NOC President Engineer Habu Gumel presented his 2024 annual report without statement of accounts of funds spent or received.

I will ask questions, let all of them get ready for me.

Its interesting to note that Federation scribes were swapped to new positions, However, It doesn't call for any celebration because, it's an old practice that changed nothing in the manner Sports Federations are managed in Nigeria.

This is my message for the New year" Gara Gombe