…as state govt condemns protest, reaffirms commitment to athletes’ welfare

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta 

Athletes representing Ogun State at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival on Wednesday disrupted activities at the Games Village over unpaid allowances, grounding logistics and causing a major setback to the day’s scheduled events.

It was gathered that the protest, which began in the early hours of today at the Babcock University Games Village in Ilishan-Remo, saw the aggrieved athletes block the main entrance to the venue, leaving contingents from other states stranded.

The athletes, who are demanding payment of allowances promised by the Ogun State government before the commencement of the Gateway Games 2024, said several efforts to resolve the issue internally had failed.

The protesting athletes said, “team Ogun officials met us yesterday in front of Queen Esther Hostel, where most of us are staying. Another emergency meeting was held around 5am today, but nothing concrete came out of it,” one of the protesting athletes spoke  on condition of anonymity.

It was further learnt that many competitors due for early morning events were unable to leave the Games Village, forcing postponements and disruptions across multiple venues.

Eyewitnesses described the protest as peaceful but characterized with chants and placards calling for Governor Dapo Abiodun’s immediate intervention.

“This is embarrassing for a host state. The government should have sorted this out before the opening ceremony,” said a coach from another state who declined to be named.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State government described as regrettable the protest staged by some athletes, representing the state at the ongoing National Sports Festival, over delayed allowances.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government, expressed disappointment, stating that the protest was inconsistent with the values and objectives the state upholds.

He noted that the athletes acted out of impatience, as all necessary arrangements had been concluded for the payment of their allowances on Tuesday.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun remains deeply sensitive and committed to the welfare of all participants at the festival,” Akinmade said. “There is no circumstance under which he would allow Ogun athletes to suffer or be neglected.

“The protest earlier today by a few athletes is not only unfortunate but also uncalled for. It stands in stark contrast to the immense success the state has recorded in hosting the festival—from the grand opening ceremony to the impressive performance of Team Ogun,” the statement continued.

He further disclosed that payment of allowances had already commenced, with athletes receiving bank alerts as scheduled. “Those who protested did so in error. It was a clear case of impatience,” he concluded.