Deborah Akinyosoye
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.
The protest, which began in the early hours 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.
“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.
As of press time, many competitors due for early morning events were unable to leave the Games Village, forcing postponements and disruptions across multiple venues.
Ogun State, the host of this year’s festival, is now facing growing criticism over the management of the biennial multi-sport event.
Eyewitnesses described the protest as peaceful but determined, 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.
The athletes’ action has raised concerns about the likelihood of further disruptions if the standoff is not quickly resolved.
Efforts to reach Ogun State sports officials for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, is expected to run for two weeks, drawing athletes from all 36 states and the FCT.
Findings revealed that there was a scheduled handball match at the Alake sports centre, Ijeja,Abeokuta at 9am, which could not hold as of the time of filing this report.