Group accuses Sahara Reporters of sensationalism over N2.1bn NSC budget report

Group accuses Sahara Reporters of sensationalism over N2.1bn NSC budget report

The controversy surrounding the National Sports Commission's (NSC) budget allocation has sparked a heated debate, with the United Sports Stakeholders condemning Sahara Reporters for their "misleading headlines and sensationalism" aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the NSC leadership.

Jude Chukuma, the president of the United Sports Stakeholders, expressed his organisation's disappointment with Sahara Reporters, stating that the report "lacks journalistic ethics, riddled with bias, and an attempt to blackmail and rubbish the good work of the NSC leadership." Chukuma emphasised that the NSC had already hosted the 2025 National Sports Festival in Ogun State, and it was illogical to allocate funds for the same event in the 2026 budget.

"The Journalism ethics worldwide seeks to know the unknown by asking the right people, the right questions, unfortunately, this is what Sahara Reporters lacks," Chukuma said. 

He questioned why Sahara Reporters failed to reach out to the NSC and the Budget Office for clarification, instead opting to speak with Ogun State officials.

Chukuma clarified that the N2.1 billion allocation was actually 70% of the N3 billion budgeted for the 2025 National Sports Festival in Ogun State, which was carried over to 2026 as part of the Federal Government's directive to complete existing projects and manage spending pressures.

"The budget office only carried out a directive from Mr. President dated December 9, 2025, wherein the Federal Government ordered ministries, departments, and agencies to carry over 70% of their 2025 capital budget into the 2026 fiscal year," Chukuma explained.

He advised Sahara Reporters to seek clarification from the Budget Office, stating that the N2.1 billion allocation was not for a new event, but rather a continuation of the previous year's budget.

Chukuma's statement has shed new light on the controversy, and it remains to be seen how the NSC and the Federal Government will respond to these allegations. Meanwhile, Ogun State's Special Adviser to the Governor, Kayode Ogunmade, has dismissed suggestions that the state incurred debts from hosting the festival, saying, "We do not host events and then run into debts. We do not do things that we are not capable of."