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ILISHAN-REMO – An Ogun athlete protest over unpaid allowances marked a tense start to the week at the 22nd National Sports Festival. Athletes representing Ogun State demonstrated Monday, blocking the entrance to the Games Village at Babcock University in Ilishan-Remo.
The demonstration began early Monday morning. It significantly disrupted access for other participants. These athletes had events scheduled from 8 a.m. at venues including the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Kuto and the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja. The protest brought athlete welfare and the handling of National Sports Festival allowances into sharp focus.
Government Responds to Ogun Athlete Protest
The Ogun State government quickly reacted to the incident. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, issued a statement expressing the government’s disappointment.
“The protest earlier today by a few athletes is not only unfortunate but also uncalled for,” Akinmade stated. He highlighted that the demonstration contrasted sharply with the state’s successes in hosting the festival. These successes included a well-received opening ceremony and the strong performance of Team Ogun.
Akinmade emphasised the protest contradicted Ogun State’s values of discipline and patience. This was particularly so, he noted, as efforts for Ogun government payment were actively in progress.
Governor “Deeply Sensitive” to Welfare; Payments Disbursed
Akinmade provided strong assurances regarding Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to all participants. He confirmed that National Sports Festival allowances were already being processed and disbursed.
“Governor Dapo Abiodun remains deeply sensitive and committed to the welfare of all participants at the festival,” he affirmed. “There is no circumstance under which he would allow Ogun athletes to suffer or be neglected.”
He clarified that payment arrangements had been finalized prior to the protest. Athletes had, in fact, begun receiving bank alerts confirming their Ogun government payment.
“Those who protested did so in error. It was a clear case of impatience,” Akinmade concluded. He urged the athletes to exercise restraint and to trust the administration’s proven commitment to their welfare.
By Kayode Ojo
