In a bold move to revitalize the sports sector in Kwara State, the Kwara State Sports Commission has announced the immediate dissolution of all sports associations across the state. The decision, which was formalized during a meeting held on September 12, 2025, aims to usher in a new era of committed leadership, enhanced service delivery, and greater accountability within the state’s sports ecosystem. This development was officially communicated through a statement released in Ilorin on Thursday by Saheed Abdullahi, the Press Secretary of the Commission.
The dissolution of the sports associations marks a significant turning point for sports administration in Kwara State, reflecting the Commission’s determination to address longstanding challenges and reposition the sector for optimal performance. According to the statement, the decision was reached after an extensive review of the activities and performance of the various sports associations operating under the Commission’s oversight. The review process, which was conducted during the September 12 meeting, highlighted areas of concern, including inefficiencies, lack of innovation, and instances of non-compliance with national and international sports regulations.
The Commission’s primary objective in dissolving the associations is to inject “new, committed, and passionate members” into their leadership structures while retaining select former members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and capability. This strategic approach is intended to blend fresh perspectives with the experience of seasoned administrators, thereby fostering a more dynamic and results-oriented sports management framework. By restructuring the associations, the Commission aims to enhance service delivery, promote grassroots talent development, and ensure that Kwara State remains competitive on both national and international sports stages.
As part of the dissolution process, the Commission has directed all affected officials to promptly hand over all documents, records, and materials belonging to their respective associations to their secretaries. This directive underscores the Commission’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability during the transition period. The handover process is expected to be seamless, ensuring that the operations of the associations are not unduly disrupted while new leadership structures are put in place.
In its statement, the Commission expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the dissolved associations for their contributions to the development of sports in Kwara State. While acknowledging their efforts, the Commission urged these individuals to continue supporting the growth of sports in the state and to remain available for future collaborations. “While appreciating the contributions of the outgoing members, the Commission urges them to continue supporting the development of sports in Kwara State and to respond promptly whenever called upon in the future,” the statement read. This gesture reflects the Commission’s intent to maintain a positive relationship with former association members while fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the advancement of sports in the state.
The dissolution of the sports associations comes in the wake of a controversial incident involving the Kwara State Athletics Association, which has drawn significant attention in recent weeks. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) recently imposed an indefinite suspension on the Kwara State Athletics Association following a serious breach of regulations. The suspension was triggered by the discovery that Hammid Muritala, a coach serving a 10-year ban for administering banned substances to a youth athlete in Ilorin, was still actively involved in the state’s athletics activities.
Muritala, whose suspension began in October 2022, was found to have been part of Kwara State’s contingent at the Golden League event held in Benin City, Edo State. This revelation sparked outrage among stakeholders in the sports community, who viewed the incident as a significant lapse in oversight and accountability. The involvement of a banned coach in official state activities not only violated the terms of his suspension but also raised questions about the integrity of the state’s athletics administration.
The Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Bola Magaji, had earlier vowed to take decisive action against those responsible for allowing Muritala to participate in the Golden League. Speaking on the issue, Magaji emphasized that officers found culpable would face sanctions, underscoring the Commission’s zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and negligence. “We will not condone any actions that undermine the integrity of sports in Kwara State,” Magaji stated, signaling his administration’s commitment to upholding ethical standards in sports governance.
In response to the AFN’s suspension of the Kwara State Athletics Association, the Commission has initiated efforts to appeal the decision. Magaji disclosed that the Commission is actively engaging with the AFN to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding Muritala’s involvement and to seek a review of the indefinite ban. The Commission is hopeful that a resolution can be reached, allowing the state’s athletics association to resume its activities and continue contributing to the development of track and field athletes in Kwara State.
The dissolution of the sports associations and the ongoing efforts to address the athletics controversy reflect broader challenges facing sports administration in Nigeria. Issues such as doping, mismanagement, and lack of accountability have long plagued the sector, hindering the country’s ability to fully harness its sporting potential. In Kwara State, the Commission’s actions signal a proactive approach to tackling these challenges at the state level, with a focus on fostering a culture of professionalism, transparency, and excellence.
The decision to dissolve the associations is not without precedent in Nigeria’s sports landscape. In recent years, several state and national sports bodies have undergone similar restructuring efforts to address inefficiencies and align with global best practices. For instance, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and other sports federations have periodically reviewed their leadership structures to ensure that they remain responsive to the needs of athletes and stakeholders. By following a similar path, the Kwara State Sports Commission is positioning itself as a forward-thinking institution committed to driving meaningful change.
The implications of the dissolution are far-reaching, particularly for athletes, coaches, and administrators in Kwara State. For athletes, the restructuring offers an opportunity to benefit from improved leadership and more effective support systems, which could enhance their performance and career prospects. Coaches, on the other hand, will be expected to adhere to higher standards of professionalism and ethics, particularly in light of the recent doping scandal. Administrators will need to adapt to the new leadership framework, embracing the Commission’s vision for a revitalized sports sector.
The Commission’s emphasis on retaining some active former members suggests a balanced approach to the transition. By combining new talent with experienced individuals, the Commission aims to maintain continuity while introducing fresh ideas and perspectives. This strategy is particularly important in a state like Kwara, which has a rich history of producing talented athletes across various sports, including athletics, football, and basketball.
Looking ahead, the success of the Commission’s restructuring efforts will depend on several factors, including the quality of the new leadership, the effectiveness of the handover process, and the level of support from stakeholders. The Commission will need to ensure that the selection of new association members is transparent and merit-based, with a focus on individuals who are passionate about sports development and capable of driving meaningful change. Additionally, the Commission must prioritize capacity-building initiatives to equip new leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their roles.
The ongoing appeal to the AFN regarding the suspension of the Kwara State Athletics Association will also be a critical test of the Commission’s ability to navigate complex challenges. A successful resolution could restore confidence in the state’s athletics program and pave the way for renewed investment in talent development and infrastructure. Conversely, a prolonged suspension could have a detrimental impact on athletes and the broader sports community in Kwara State.
In the broader context, the dissolution of the sports associations aligns with the Kwara State government’s broader agenda to promote youth development and economic growth through sports. The state has made significant investments in sports infrastructure in recent years, including the renovation of the Ilorin Township Stadium and the establishment of training programs for young athletes. By restructuring the sports associations, the Commission is laying the groundwork for these investments to yield tangible results, positioning Kwara State as a hub for sporting excellence in Nigeria.
The Commission’s actions also send a strong message about the importance of accountability and ethical conduct in sports administration. The doping scandal involving Hammid Muritala serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to uphold these values. By taking decisive action to address the issue and restructure the associations, the Commission is demonstrating its commitment to fostering a culture of integrity and professionalism.
As Kwara State moves forward with its sports reform agenda, stakeholders will be closely watching to see how the Commission implements its vision. The success of the restructuring effort will depend on the Commission’s ability to engage with athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. Transparent communication, robust oversight, and a clear focus on results will be essential in building trust and driving progress.
In conclusion, the Kwara State Sports Commission’s decision to dissolve all sports associations represents a bold and necessary step toward revitalizing the state’s sports sector. By addressing longstanding challenges, promoting accountability, and fostering new leadership, the Commission is laying the foundation for a brighter future for sports in Kwara State. As the transition unfolds, the Commission’s ability to balance continuity with innovation will be critical in achieving its goal of creating a vibrant, competitive, and ethical sports ecosystem. With the right strategies and stakeholder support, Kwara State has the potential to emerge as a leader in sports development in Nigeria, inspiring other states to follow suit.
