An apparently enraged Minister of State in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Mrs. Olajumoke Akinjide yesterday chided the Director of Sports in the Social Development Secretariat of the FCT Administration, Alhaji Musa Halim, accusing him of frustrating her especially with regards to the inauguration of Sports Associations in the territory.
She expressed shock that even though she had approved membership of the committees over six months ago, the director was yet to follow up on the development or revert to her if he met any brickwall.
Halim had tried to rationalize the situation when he said the lump sum approved for the associations was yet to be released, hence the delay in their take-off.
However, the minister, who was obviously enraged, faulted the director for not drawing her attention to the fact that the money had not been released.
She also said even without the money, the membership of the committees should have been announced in order to put to rest any speculation among stakeholders in the sector.
The incident took place when FCT Chapter of the Football Coaches association paid a courtesy call on her.
Chairman of the association, Mr. Godwin Bamigboye had accused the director of not carrying along sports stakeholders in the territory, urging the minister to ensure an improved relationship between the FCT Sports Department and stakeholders.
Akinjide thereafter ordered the director to ensure that the issue is resolved latest next week. “It is your job to see to it that the associations are working. It is your job and you must do it”, she said.
Expressing her frustration, the minister said she has been requesting for a comprehensive list of sporting facilities and recreational-designated lands to no avail, blaming the director for stalling.
“I have been requesting the director for a list of sporting facilities and recreational-designated land in the FCT. I want that on my desk on Monday. Go and sit with the Director, Regional Planning. It is all there. Let us identify the lands and partner with the private sector to develop it. “
I don’t see why someone in Kuje has to come here (AMAC) before enjoying sporting facilities.
“Although I do not want to say this. I am frustrated. How many times have I asked for this? I want a map of all the areas designated for land use and recreation or sports in all the Area Councils”, she said.
Source: National Mirror
