Mr. Peter Obi has condemned the misappropriation of funds intended for football development in Nigeria, describing it as indicative of the pervasive corruption afflicting the nation.
In a tweet on Monday morning, Obi conveyed his disappointment regarding FIFA’s recent disclosure that funds allocated to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for stadium construction and youth talent development were mishandled.
“As we continue to struggle with insecurity, poverty, and escalating youth unemployment, the most distressing reality remains the deep-rooted corruption that infiltrates every sector, particularly those that have the potential to uplift Nigeria,” Obi tweeted.
He reminisced that during his tenure as governor, Awka was chosen as one of six sites for a FIFA-standard stadium, fully financed by FIFA. Land was designated, and officials assured that the Federal Ministry of Sports would carry out the project, a commitment that was never honored.
Under the impression that the stadium project was in progress, Obi stated that his administration invested in mini-stadiums throughout the state to foster grassroots sports, including the Chuba Ikpeazu Memorial Stadium and Godwin Achebe Stadium in Onitsha. Ultimately, they had to build the Awka Stadium themselves after the anticipated FIFA project failed to materialize.
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Obi pointed out that since 2013, approximately $25 million has reportedly been received by the NFF from FIFA and CAF for football and youth development, yet there is very little to demonstrate for it. He characterized the $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi State as a national disgrace.
He further criticized leaders who blame others for “demarketing” Nigeria by revealing corruption, asserting that the true demarketers are inept officials who mismanage and embezzle public funds, depriving youths of education, healthcare, employment, and sporting opportunities.
“Our youths are our most valuable assets, yet we have ruined their future and subsequently labeled them ‘Yahoo boys,’” Obi tweeted. “The leaders who rob them are the genuine ‘Yahoo’ of our nation.
