The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Youth Development in Gwagwalada Area Council has clarified the mandate of the office following reports concerning the inspection of the Gwagwalada Township Stadium.
The SSA, in a rejoinder issued in response to the reports and publications, said the clarification became necessary to prevent what it described as any misrepresentation of the roles and responsibilities of government officials within the council.
According to the statement, the office of the SSA on Youth Affairs was established to oversee matters relating primarily to youth engagement, empowerment and development.
It, however, stressed that matters concerning sporting activities and sports administration within Gwagwalada Area Council fall under the purview of the Special Adviser on Recreational Activities and Sports Development, Barr. Tunde Akintade Nelson.
The SSA’s office said Barr. Akintade Nelson possesses the requisite experience and institutional knowledge in sports management, adding that his involvement in football administration further strengthens his role in matters relating to sports within the area council.
The statement identified Barr. Akintade Nelson as a Board Member of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), representing the North Central region on the football Governor structure, as well as the Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Association.
The rejoinder also raised the issue of the existing legal dispute concerning the Gwagwalada Township Stadium.
It stated that the matter is currently before a competent court of law in a case involving the Gwagwalada Football Association and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the statement, the legal dispute predates the appointment of Barr. Akintade Nelson as the Special Adviser on Recreational Activities and Sports Development.
It further disclosed that the case is being handled pro bono by the law firm of Barr. Tunde Akintade Nelson.
The SSA’s office consequently appealed to all stakeholders to exercise caution in their actions and public statements concerning the stadium, particularly as the matter remains before the court.
It warned that actions taken or statements made outside the appropriate official jurisdiction could potentially complicate the situation or interfere with the ongoing legal process.
The office therefore urged stakeholders to respect the mandates of the various offices involved and allow the judicial process to run its course.
The clarification comes amid attention surrounding the condition and management of the Gwagwalada Township Stadium, with the SSA’s office emphasising the distinction between youth development responsibilities and sports administration.
The office maintained that while youth development remains within the mandate of the SSA on Youth Development, sporting activities and sports administration are specifically assigned to the Special Adviser on Recreational Activities and Sports Development.
It called on all concerned parties to act within their respective jurisdictions and exercise restraint in order to avoid further controversy while the legal issues surrounding the stadium are being determined by the court.