Forum Of Directors Of Sports Nigeria Denied Fake Online Publication
•By IDOWU BABALOLA
LAGOS — THE attention of the Forum of Directors of Sports Nigeria has been drawn to a publication currently circulating on social media and other platforms regarding resolutions purportedly reached by the Forum on the issue of compulsory and optional sports for the National Sports Festival.
The Forum hereby states clearly that the said publication was neither authorized nor officially issued by the Secretary General Mr. Tunde Ajibike or Acting Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Nunayon Travih, nor does it represent the official position or communiqué of the Forum of Directors of Sports Nigeria.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Forum had an engagement meeting with the Director-General and Management of the National Sports Commission (NSC) in Abuja, where extensive discussions were held on the proposed selection of compulsory and optional sports for the National Sports Festival and other National competitions.
During the meeting, the Director-General adequately explained the rationale behind the proposed reforms and restructuring of the festival format. It was emphasized that the National Sports Festival remains the exclusive property of the National Sports Commission, which reserves the right to determine its organizational structure, operational framework, and competition format in line with National objectives and International best practices.
The proposed reduction and streamlining of sports were explained as part of deliberate efforts to:
• Reduce the financial burden on host states;
• Encourage more states to bid for and successfully host the Festival;
• Improve organizational efficiency;
• Align the Games with contemporary global sporting realities and practices, including the Commonwealth Games model.
The Forum, during its interaction with the NSC leadership, made several professional submissions and observations, including advocacy for the inclusion of additional team sports and broader participation opportunities.
These engagements were constructive and aimed solely at strengthening sports development and administration in Nigeria.
Consequently, members of the public, stakeholders, sports administrators, federations, and the media are advised to disregard any unofficial publication or communiqué not expressly issued or endorsed by the Acting Chairman or the authorized leadership of the Forum of Directors of Sports Nigeria.
The Forum remains committed to constructive engagement with the National Sports Commission and all relevant stakeholders in the collective interest of sports development in Nigeria.