Coach Bola Mogaji, Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission (KSC), has responded to recent critics accusing him of various wrongdoings, urging them to familiarize themselves with the regulations governing stadium facility management. He emphasized that his commission is open to providing clarifications.
Coach Mogaji, a respected figure in Nigerian sports and a seasoned educator, spoke to journalists in Ilorin, recently, following allegations on a blog claiming 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,” he stated.
The report claimed ‘mismanagement and embezzlement of funds’ from stadium usage at the KSC. It alleged that Coach Magaji collected money directly from football teams and organizations for using the football pitch, bypassing the official government channel, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS).
Although these claims lacked substantial evidence, it was mentioned that funds from stadium usage by teams like Osun United FC, Ekiti United, and ten NLO teams were paid into Mogaji’s private account instead of being used for stadium maintenance.
However, in defense against these allegations, Coach Mogaji clarified that the report misinterpreted the facts. He explained that a total of N3 million was remitted to the Football Association’s account, out of which N1 million was allocated to the Kwara State Sports Commission, 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 concerning revenue remittances,” Mogaji emphasized.
He further stressed the significance of following established protocols and ensuring transparency in financial transactions, suggesting that any review of processes should align with statutory requirements..
