The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has clarified that he approved the sum of N20 million to prosecute the ongoing seventh Junior National Sports Festival holding in Asaba, Delta State.
Speaking in Ikere Ekiti, during the second day of the Town Hall Meeting With Stakeholders in Ekiti South Senatorial District in preparation for the 2024 Budget, Governor Oyebanji wondered why the athletes, who were representing the state at the sports fiesta were poorly kitted by government officials.
He warned public servants against embarrassing the state with fraudulent activities, stressing that he recalled the General Manager of the State’s Sports Council, Mr Adekunle Adeyemi from the National Sports Festival in Asaba, due to alleged corruption and gross negligence.
He said: "What happened was an embarrassment to us as a government and the people of Ekiti State. It occured just because some people wanted to make money for themselves.
"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 looks as if they have 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? 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. Help us to plead with those in government to have the fear of God. I was shocked that someone who called himself a father could behave that way. Though, the children are doing well because I had to send a Psychologist to go and speak with them."
The Governor said decisive action would be taken on all those involved in the unfortunate development.
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