Ogun Govt Blames Athletes’ Impatience As Protest Rocks National Sports Festival

The Ogun State Government has described as “regrettable and unnecessary” the protest staged by some of its athletes at the ongoing National Sports Festival over delayed payment of allowances.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, criticized the protest, insisting that the demonstration was driven by impatience despite the state’s commitment to athlete welfare.

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“The protest earlier today by a few athletes is not only unfortunate but also uncalled for,” the statement read.

“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.”

Akinmade assured the public that all necessary arrangements for the disbursement of allowances had been finalized and that athletes had started receiving their payments through bank transfers.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun remains deeply sensitive and committed to the welfare of all participants at the festival,” the statement continued.

“There is no circumstance under which he would allow Ogun athletes to suffer or be neglected.”

According to the government, the athletes who took to the protest lines were misinformed and acted prematurely, as the payment process was already underway at the time of their demonstration.

The protest, which took place earlier in the day, saw a handful of athletes carrying placards and demanding immediate payment of their agreed allowances.

The incident briefly disrupted activities at the festival grounds, drawing attention from onlookers and officials.

However, government sources have confirmed that disbursement of funds began shortly after the incident, with several athletes receiving confirmation alerts from their respective banks.

While the government has appealed for calm, it also reiterated the importance of discipline and patience in addressing grievances.

The National Sports Festival, hosted by Ogun State, has been hailed as one of the most colorful editions in recent years, with Team Ogun already clinching several medals in various categories. Despite the protest, officials say the state remains focused on ensuring a successful and memorable outing for all participants.