Tempers flared and gates were chained shut as Ogun State athletes brought the 22nd National Sports Festival to a halt on Wednesday, staging a protest over alleged unpaid and incomplete allowances. The demonstration delayed events for nearly four hours before the athletes reopened the games village at Babcock University, having received only part of what they claim they were promised.
The protest began as early as 5:30 a.m., with Ogun athletes blocking all entrances to the Games Village. Their demand? Full payment of their N210,000 participation allowance—a sum calculated at N15,000 per day over the 14-day festival.
While some funds trickled in later in the day—N50,000 reportedly from Governor Dapo Abiodun’s personal promise, and N140,000 as the official festival allowance—many athletes were left fuming, alleging a shortfall of N20,000.
“We were paid N50,000 this morning, which was the governor’s promise,” one visibly frustrated athlete told PUNCH Online. “But to our surprise, they started paying N140,000 as the festival allowance instead of the agreed N210,000.”
Sources at the venue confirmed that the blockade ended at 12:43 p.m., after a partial resolution was reached. However, athletes say the fight for the remaining balance continues behind the scenes.
The protest cast a shadow over what should have been a day of athletic triumphs at the national sporting showcase. Events were delayed nearly four hours, leaving other athletes and officials stranded and frustrated.
Governor Abiodun, ahead of the festival, had made bold pledges of reward—N2.5 million for every gold medallist, N1.5 million for silver, and N1 million for bronze winners representing the state. It remains unclear if these promises are still on the table or under review, as the payment controversy unfolds.
Despite the tension, Ogun State athletes have continued to shine. As of Wednesday, the state ranks third on the official medals table, with an impressive 48 gold, 38 silver, and 47 bronze medals.
While the protest may have ended for now, the bigger question still hangs in the air: Will Ogun State fully honour its word to the athletes carrying its flag? As competition heats up, so too does the pressure for transparency, accountability, and fair reward for those putting their bodies—and pride—on the line.🔔 Need for Update:
All eyes remain on the Ogun State government as athletes demand the final ₦20,000 balance and clarity over medal bonuses. Further developments are expected as the festival progresses.
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