Gaiya probes non release of sports’ funds

House of Representatives’ Chairman, Committee on Sports,
Honourable Godfrey Gaiya, has vowed to investigate the non
release of funds appropriated by government to selected
sporting federations since last year.
Gaiya noted that he was shocked that the Nigeria Basketball
Federation, NBBF was yet to access funds allocated to it.
“As the group charged with sports, we did our part by
ensuring that 12 key sporting federations were identified after
the sports retreat called by President Goodluck Jonathan. Bas­
ketball was one of them, but I must say that I’m shocked to
learn that the federation is yet to get the money.
“Giving our oversight functions, we’re going to ensure that
this issue is properly investigated and the money recovered. It
is one thing to get money appropriated, and another matter to
get the fund released. Perhaps, what may have delayed it is
the non availability of fund in the ministry of finance. Bas­
ketball is key to Nigerian sports and there’s a need to help
the sport get better in terms of facilities. And we will do our
best to get things done appropriately.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Basketball Coaches Association had
elected new officers following the resignation of the former
president, coach Sani Ahmed of Kano Pillars.
The new executive of the association is headed by Coach
Scott Nnaji of the Nigeria Customs Services with Sani Turi of
Kadda Stars as Vice President while Wilson Idanekhai of AHIP
is the new secretary of the association. He will be assisted by
Ochuko Okworogun of Dolphins.
The office of Treasurer went to Coach Gloria Edwards of the
Nigeria Customs’ women’s team, Coach Emmanuel Odah of
FCT Rocks, PRO 1, while Coach Victor Okoro is PRO 2 with
Peter Ahmedu as welfare officer.