Frustration At Gateway Games As Ogun Athletes Halt Events Over Unpaid Allowances
The atmosphere at the Gateway Games 2024 took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as athletes representing host state, Ogun, staged a protest at the Games Village, Babcock University, over the non-payment of their allowances.
With just two days left before the conclusion of the 22nd National Sports Festival, the disgruntled athletes, dressed in Ogun State tracksuits, blocked the main gate of the Games Village as early as 5:30am, bringing vehicular movement to a halt. Buses scheduled to transport athletes and officials to various competition venues were left stranded as a result of the blockade.
Videos and photos shared by officials on site showed the athletes forming a human barricade, voicing their grievances over unpaid entitlements.
One of the athletes, who spoke to PUNCH Online under the condition of anonymity, confirmed that a meeting had been held the night before to deliberate on the planned action.
“We decided yesterday that we would not move today until they pay us. We don’t even know how much they intend to pay us,” the athlete said.
Governor Dapo Abiodun had, prior to the commencement of the festival, promised financial incentives for medal winners—N2.5 million for gold medallists, N1.5 million for silver, and N1 million for bronze.
Despite Ogun currently sitting third on the medals table with 48 gold, 38 silver, and 47 bronze medals, the promised rewards and general allowances have yet to be disbursed, leading to palpable tension within the state’s contingent.
Efforts to get an official response from the Ogun State Commissioner of Sports, Wasiu Isiaka, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
