The Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports Commission, Bolakale Magaji, on Monday, refused to disclose the amount released by the state government for the State participation at the 21st edition of National Sports Festival in Asaba.
Speaking to newsmen on Monday ahead of the departure of the Kwara State contingent for the festival, Magaji, who noted that the government has released funds for the commission, added that he won’t reveal the amount.
“It will be very difficult for me to open up. It’s a government secret. At the end of the day, anybody can come back and find out if the funds are properly spent or not,” said the chairman, who added that “it might be unjustifiable for him to expose government documents openly.
“It might not be justifiable for me to open a government that has done extremely well for us. That’s why we are going with a large number of athletes,” he added.
On the issue of camp allowance for athletes, he revealed that a sum of N2,500 has been earmarked as allowance for the athletes per day in the festival, adding that the state will also ensure proper feeding, housing and insurance of the contingent.
He also pledged to personally reward any athlete who wins a medal for the State with a sum of N10,000.
The Chairman revealed at the press briefing that a total number of 203 athletes and 93 officials will be representing the State in 24 sporting events at the festival.
Kwara placed 15th on the final medal table of the last edition of the festival which was held at Edo State after winning a total number of 44 medals which includes seven gold, six silver and 31 bronze medals.
The opening ceremony of the festival will hold on the eve of Wednesday, November 30 at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the capital of Delta State while the closing ceremony is also billed for the same venue on December 10.
