The Benue State Government has directed three former vice chairmen of Lobi Stars Football Club to reimburse a substantial sum of N2.4 billion to the state treasury. This directive stems from the findings of a forensic audit investigation into the club’s financial activities between January 2020 and September 2024. Governor Hyacinth Alia initiated the audit, appointing a committee led by Donatus San-Chir-Igba to scrutinize the club’s financial records and ascertain the proper utilization of funds. The audit revealed a significant discrepancy between the club’s income and documented expenditures, prompting the government’s decisive action.
The audit report, submitted on November 24, 2024, indicated that Lobi Stars generated N3.7 billion during the specified period. However, only N1.3 billion could be accounted for, leaving a substantial shortfall of N2.4 billion. The government holds the three former vice chairmen accountable for this discrepancy and has ordered them to refund the missing funds. The breakdown of the demanded refunds assigns specific amounts to each vice chairman based on their respective tenures. Mr. Mike Idoko and his associates are to refund N243 million for the 2020-2021 period. Mr. Emmanuel Taman and his team are responsible for N434.3 million for the 2021-2022 period. Finally, Mr. Dominic Iorfa bears the largest burden, with a combined demand of N1.7666 million covering the periods from 2022-2024, including N692.4 million for 2022-2023, N702.8 million for 2023-2024, and N371.4 million for a seemingly duplicated 2024-2024 period. This suggests a possible typographical error in the original reporting regarding the last period for Mr. Iorfa.
The investigation committee followed due process by extending invitations to all individuals and companies involved in financial transactions with the club during the audit period. This ensured that everyone had the opportunity to present their side of the story and contribute to a fair and balanced assessment. The discrepancies unearthed by the audit point to serious financial mismanagement within the club, potentially involving misappropriation or misallocation of funds. The government’s directive to recoup the missing N2.4 billion demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. This action sends a strong message that financial impropriety will not be tolerated within government-affiliated organizations.
Beyond the immediate recovery of funds, the audit committee also proposed crucial recommendations for restructuring the club’s financial operations and governance. Key among these is the suggestion to register Lobi Stars as a fully independent company with its own revenue generation capacity. This would grant the club greater financial autonomy and potentially reduce its reliance on government funding. Furthermore, the committee recommended that sponsorship funds should be directly deposited into the club’s account, bypassing any intermediary channels that could create opportunities for misappropriation. This measure aims to enhance transparency and ensure that sponsorship revenues are used solely for the benefit of the club.
Another significant recommendation put forward by the committee centers on granting Lobi Stars operational independence from the Ministry of Sports. The report advocated for a clear separation of powers, preventing the ministry from interfering in the day-to-day management of the club. This proposed change seeks to foster a more professional and efficient administrative structure, allowing the club to operate with greater autonomy and potentially improve its overall performance both on and off the field. By implementing these recommendations, the Benue State Government aims to establish a stronger foundation for Lobi Stars, ensuring its long-term financial stability and operational efficiency.
The government’s response to the audit findings underscores its dedication to good governance and the prudent use of public funds. By holding the former vice chairmen accountable and implementing the committee’s recommendations, the Benue State Government hopes to create a more transparent and sustainable environment for Lobi Stars Football Club. This decisive action aims to restore public trust and ensure that the club can thrive both financially and competitively. The recovery of the misappropriated funds will not only benefit the club but also contribute to the overall development of sports in Benue State.
The forensic audit and subsequent government actions represent an important step towards reforming the management of sports clubs in Benue State. By promoting transparency and accountability, the government aims to create a more sustainable sporting environment that fosters both financial stability and competitive success. The recovered funds can be redirected towards improving the club’s infrastructure, player welfare, and youth development programs. Furthermore, the restructuring of the club’s management, including its registration as an independent company and the separation of powers from the Ministry of Sports, will create a more robust and professional framework for the club’s operations. These reforms will not only benefit Lobi Stars but also serve as a model for other sports organizations within the state, promoting greater transparency and good governance practices across the board.
