Protest Rocks Niger Delta Sports Festival Over Unpaid Allowances
Athletes participating in the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival staged a protest on Tuesday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, over the non-payment of their allowances.
The protest occurred at the Cornelia Connelly College camp, where athletes from Cross River, Abia, Imo, and Ondo States were accommodated.
The athletes, refusing to vacate the premises after the event’s closing ceremony, locked the hostel gate to prevent entry and exit nike air force 1 07 black cool grey racer blue white.
They claimed no official statement was made regarding how much each participant would earn and insisted the payment ought Melania Trump's Hands on Donald's Trip Make a Subtle Style Statement to have been made during the festival, not after.
“This is very unfair on us. We’re the ones that made the festival possible; without us, there is no festival. We deserved to be treated better. We have families too,” one athlete, who chose to remain anonymous, told newsmen.
“Imagine I am going back now; nothing to buy for my people at home. Hearing that you just participated in this event alone, people are expecting much from us,” he added.
Another athlete said she endured poor camp conditions and was disappointed to learn that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had allegedly released funds to a consultant, yet no payments had been made.
In response, Sir Itiakor Ikpokpo, co-chairman of the Main Organising Committee and consultant (DUNAMIS ICON), blamed the delay on the Remita payment network.
Speaking to reporters via telephone, Ikpokpo said over 4,000 athletes were to be paid and many states only submitted their account details on Monday.
“Immediately these details are uploaded, they will start receiving alerts. At least, nothing less than six states must receive their payment today,” he said.
He assured that all athletes would be paid before the end of Tuesday, adding that NDDC had made all necessary financial arrangements.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
