Biodun Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti, says despite approving N20 million for the national games festival, the state’s sports council failed to procure appropriate kits for the athletes.
On Sunday, many Nigerians berated the shabby appearance of the state contingent at the march-past event during the opening ceremony of the 7th national youths games in Asaba, Delta.
The governor recalled Adekunle Adeyemi, the general manager of the state sports council, from the games after the backlash that trailed the appearance of the contingent.
Speaking on Tuesday in Ikere Ekiti, Oyebanji said he recalled the council’s general manager over “cases of corruption and gross negligence”.
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He also warned public servants to desist from embarrassing the state with fraudulent activities.
“What happened was an embarrassment to us as a government and the people of Ekiti state,” the governor said.
“It occurred just because some people wanted to make money for themselves.
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“They came with a proposal of N25m, and I approved N20m, but they didn’t procure the kits they were supposed to purchase.
“As a way of deception, they provided kits for me as the governor to make it look as if they had done the right thing when they didn’t purchase for those kids who went to represent the state.
“We also learnt they didn’t get good hotel accommodation for the children.
“How can you take children to Delta and mess up the whole show?
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“If we sack them now, some people will start pleading for them. I am saying this because if we want to clean up the system, the governor and his cabinet alone cannot do it.”
The governor said he has sent a psychologist to speak with the young athletes in Delta, adding that “decisive action will be taken on all those involved in the unfortunate development”.
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