Unpaid and Unheard? Ogun Govt Blasts Athletes’ Protest Over Allowances

The Ogun State Government has expressed disappointment over a protest staged by some of its athletes participating in the 22nd National Sports Festival, over unpaid allowances.

On Monday morning, members of Team Ogun blocked the entrance to the Games Village at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, disrupting the flow of participants and causing delays to events scheduled for 8:00 a.m. at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Kuto and the Alake Sports Centre in Ikeja.

In response, the government issued a statement through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, describing the protest as “misguided” and not reflective of the state’s values and objectives. He attributed the protest to impatience on the part of the athletes.

Akinmade clarified that arrangements for payment had already been finalized, with disbursements scheduled to begin on Tuesday.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun remains firmly committed to the welfare of all festival participants,” the statement said. “Under no circumstances would he allow Team Ogun to be neglected.”

The protest, Akinmade noted, was “regrettable” and “unnecessary,” particularly in light of the successful hosting of the national event by the state. He confirmed that payments had begun as planned and that several athletes had already started receiving alerts.

“Those who took part in the protest acted prematurely. It was simply a case of impatience,” he added.

The 22nd National Sports Festival continues at multiple venues across Ogun State, drawing athletes from all over Nigeria to compete in various sporting events.