By Saka Bashir Adegboyega (SIWES Student) at KWASU
A recent audit report commissioned by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to scrutinize its financial affairs is causing turmoil among its board members.
On September 16, during an executive board meeting, the AFN established a five-member committee to investigate the federation’s finances.
The committee was chaired by the First Vice President, Tafida Gadzama, with Victor Okorie (Performance Director), Samuel Onikeku (Technical Director), Oludare Esan, and Mrs. Maria Worphil as members.
According to information obtained by The Guardian, the committee closely examined AFN’s expenditures related to the National U-18 and U-20 trials held in Kaduna earlier this year, the AFN Golden Leagues in Abuja, Benin City, and Uyo, as well as the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
The panel also requested an update on the sponsorship fees received from its title sponsor, Premium Trust Bank.
The panel’s report, which was shared on various social media platforms over the weekend, raised questions about certain financial transactions conducted by AFN Secretary General, Mrs. Rita Moshindi.
Part of the report indicates that the secretary failed to provide sufficient evidence of approvals and payment records (vouchers, cheque stubs) for the expenses she incurred. Consequently, the panel has called for her removal from the federation.
In response, Moshindi stated that some panel members are attempting to tarnish her reputation unjustly.
She explained, I have not committed any wrongdoing to warrant allegations of misappropriating AFN’s funds.
Moshindi elaborated on the financial situation at the beginning of the season when AFN lacked funds to execute its programs.
She noted that she, along with other board members, approached the AFN president to seek financial assistance to avoid embarrassment and promised to reimburse him when sponsor funds became available.
Moshindi clarified, Now, the same people (panel members) are accusing me of spending AFN’s money.
They said in their report that all the money Okowa gave to AFN was donations. I can’t understand these people. Over N40 million he lent to AFN to organize competitions.
She also claimed that one of her accusers asked her to use sponsor funds to cover his allowances for a trip to the African Senior Championship in Mauritius, a competition that took place in 2022 when she was not part of AFN.
Moshindi concluded by stating that the Premium Trust Bank sponsorship did not cover that particular competition.
She expressed her frustration with the panel’s actions, which included posting the reports on social media platforms, leading to numerous inquiries from athletes, coaches, and people worldwide.
Moshindi believes that these actions are part of a vindictive campaign against her.
