The Special Adviser on Recreational Activities and Sports Development in Gwagwalada Area Council, Barr. Babatunde Akintade Nelson, has issued a rejoinder over the reported inspection of the Gwagwalada Township Stadium by the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development.
In a statement made available to Chronicles Reporters, the Special Adviser acknowledged the importance of youth development but stressed the need for clarity regarding the responsibilities of government officials within the council.
According to the statement, the office of the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Affairs is responsible for issues relating to youth engagement, empowerment and development, while matters concerning sporting activities, sports development and sports administration in Gwagwalada Area Council fall under the office of the Special Adviser on Recreational Activities and Sports Development.
Barr. Akintade, who has experience in sports administration, is also described in the statement as a Board Member of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), representing the North Central region on the football Governors’ structure, as well as Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Association.
The Special Adviser further disclosed that issues surrounding the Gwagwalada Township Stadium are already before a competent court in a legal dispute involving the Gwagwalada Football Association and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The statement noted that the legal dispute predates Barr. Akintade’s appointment as Special Adviser on Recreational Activities and Sports Development.
It further stated that the matter is being handled on a pro bono basis by the law firm of Barr. Akintade, who is also a legal practitioner.
The Office of the Special Adviser consequently urged stakeholders to exercise caution in their statements and activities concerning the stadium, warning against actions that could potentially interfere with the ongoing judicial process.
The statement also called on stakeholders to operate within their respective mandates and jurisdictions, while emphasizing the need for cooperation in advancing sports and youth development across Gwagwalada Area Council.
The Office maintained that its position was aimed at providing clarity and preventing what it described as possible misrepresentation of roles and responsibilities, rather than creating unnecessary tension among stakeholders.
Chronicles Reporters understands that the clarification comes amid growing attention to the state of the Gwagwalada Township Stadium and the roles of different officials in matters concerning its management and development.