The Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has denied allegations that N61.403m released for the renovation of the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, was diverted, describing a report by civil organisation, Tracka, as false and misleading.
Tracka, an initiative of the BudgIT Foundation, had alleged that the sum was released for the upgrade of the stadium to FIFA standard but that no corresponding work was carried out on the facility.
The organisation said it obtained the information from the Kogi State Budget Implementation Report for the first to third quarter of 2024, noting that a physical inspection of the stadium showed no evidence of renovation.
But in a statement on Thursday, the ministry’s Information Officer, James Sani, said Tracka had earlier written to the ministry under the Freedom of Information Act seeking clarification on the alleged release, and that the ministry responded within two days.
He said the ministry told Tracka that no N61.403m was released for the renovation of the stadium, stressing that the correct figure — N61.429m — was for the sponsorship of Kogi athletes at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State, and not for stadium renovation.
“It is therefore surprising and regrettable that despite receiving this official clarification, Tracka proceeded to publish a report on its Facebook page, Sahara Reporters and other platforms,” Sani said.
He noted that the report was also copied to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The ministry accused Tracka of ignoring its clarification and creating the impression that public funds had been diverted, describing the development as capable of eroding public confidence in the ministry.
“The ministry welcomes constructive scrutiny of government activities and recognises the important role of civil society organisations in promoting transparency and accountability. However, such responsibility must be exercised with fairness, objectivity and respect for verifiable facts,” the statement read.
The ministry demanded that Tracka retract the publication, issue a correction with equal prominence, apologise in writing, and notify the EFCC, the ICPC, Sahara Reporters and other recipients of its earlier clarification.
It warned that it would pursue legal action to protect its integrity if the organisation failed to comply, and urged the public to disregard the report.
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