The Osun State Government has raised the alarm over a website being circulated as the “Osun State Sports Trust Fund,” describing the platform as fraudulent and warning members of the public against engaging with it.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government said the website, osunsportstrustfund.com, was neither owned, authorised nor operated by the Osun State Government.
It consequently advised members of the public to disregard information published on the platform and avoid responding to any fundraising appeals, requests or transaction-related messages originating from the website.
The government stated, “The Osun State Government wishes to alert members of the public that the website osunsportstrustfund.com circulating as the ‘Osun State Sports Trust Fund’ is fraudulent and is not owned, authorised or operated by the Osun State Government.”
It added, “Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard any information, requests, fundraising appeals or transactions emanating from the said platform.”
The warning comes against the backdrop of the state government’s previously announced plans to establish a Sports Trust Fund as part of efforts to develop a sustainable funding structure for sports.
In February 2025, Governor Ademola Adeleke announced that his administration was finalising the legal framework for the establishment of a Sports Commission and Sports Trust Fund.
According to the governor, the proposed Trust Fund would provide a sustainable source of funding for sports development in the state.
The announcement was made during the rehabilitation of the Osogbo City Stadium, which the government described as part of a broader programme to reposition the sports sector, improve sporting infrastructure and support athletes.
The existence of the proposed government-backed initiative appears to have created an opportunity for the unauthorised website to present itself as an official platform.
The website currently identifies itself as the “Osun State Sports Trust Fund” and advertises funding and partnership opportunities, while displaying references to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and a proposed investment target.
The state government’s latest warning is intended to prevent members of the public from confusing the platform with the official Sports Trust Fund initiative.
Residents have consequently been advised not to make payments, provide personal or financial information, or respond to fundraising appeals through the website unless its authenticity has been independently verified through official Osun State Government channels.
The development also underscores the need for members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with online platforms that appear to represent government programmes or institutions, particularly where financial contributions or personal information are requested.
