PRESS STATEMENT
Kogi State Handball in Chaos: Forged Letter Used to Illegally Reappoint Discredited Ex-Chairman
The attention of concerned stakeholders in Kogi State sports development has been drawn to a falsified appointment letter currently circulating online, allegedly issued by the Kogi State Sports Council and dated 11th June 2025, appointing Mr. Jibril Ogih Saidu as the Chairman of the Handball Association.
We categorically state that the letter is a product of fraudulent manipulation, laced with inconsistencies and deliberate attempts to mislead the general public, circumvent due process, and undermine the authority of the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports.
KEY OBSERVATIONS AND RED FLAGS
- Contradictory and Illogical Timing
The official timeline for submission of names for reconstituted sports associations was clearly fixed between 17th and 19th June 2025. The letter under scrutiny, however, is dated 11th June 2025, which is prior to the official nomination window. This singular fact renders the said appointment invalid, misleading, and legally defective. - Visible Signs of Forgery
A simple inspection of the document reveals unmistakable signs of tampering — sections of the letter were manually filled with blue and black pens, including the name and title. Such unprofessional and inconsistent formatting does not reflect the standard of any official communication from the State Government, pointing directly to a forged and manipulated document. - Official Denial by the Ministry
A direct call to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sani, revealed that the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, as well as the Ministry, are not aware of any such reappointment of Mr. Jibril Ogih Saidu. In fact, the Ministry has not released the list of approved appointments to any sporting association as at the date of this press statement. - Breach of Reconciliation Agreement
Recall that in October 2024, there was a reconciliation process initiated by the Ministry to address the crisis within the Handball Association. The meeting, held at the office of the Honourable Commissioner, resulted in a unified agreement to restructure the leadership of the association. Shockingly, Mr. Jibril and his allies have defied this resolution, acted unilaterally, and undermined both the Commissioner and the stakeholders involved in the peace process. - Two-Terms Already Served – With No Achievements
It is important to remind the public that Mr. Jibril Ogih Saidu has served for two full tenures — totaling six years — with no meaningful development, no grassroots programs, and zero engagement of athletes or coaches. Under his leadership, handball activities in Kogi State came to a complete standstill. He had his chance and failed the sporting community.
OUR POSITION
We, the Concerned Stakeholders for Sports Integrity in Kogi State, call on the Ministry of Youth and Sports and all relevant government institutions to take urgent and decisive action:
- We demand a formal statement from the Honourable Commissioner for Sports clarifying the Ministry’s position on this matter. Silence only fuels confusion and emboldens mischief-makers.
- Mr. Akowe Sule Adejoh, the Director of Sports whose signature appears on the controversial letter, must explain to the Ministry and the public why such a document was signed without the authorization of the Commissioner or the consent of recognized stakeholders.
- Mr. Aminudeen Atabo, who circulated the alleged appointment letter online, must be invited for questioning to clarify his role in the publication and what informed the deliberate misinformation to the public.
CONCLUSION
This is not just about a leadership tussle in the Handball Association — it is about preserving the integrity of sports administration in Kogi State. Forgery, manipulation, and backdoor dealings have no place in our sports sector.
We call on His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports to ensure that this matter is thoroughly investigated and that all those responsible are held accountable.
Let this serve as a warning to those who think they can deceive the system and escape justice. The people of Kogi State deserve transparent, inclusive, and visionary leadership in every sector — including sports.
Signed:
Concerned Stakeholders for Sports Integrity in Kogi State
Date: 7th July 2025
