Ogun Athletes Protest Over Unpaid Allowances, Disrupt Gateway Games 2024

 


Athletes representing Ogun State at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival in Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, disrupted the Games on Wednesday as they protested the non-payment of their allowances—just two days before the conclusion of the Gateway Games 2024.

According to videos and photos shared by officials at the Games Village, athletes in Ogun-branded tracksuits were seen blocking buses scheduled to transport participants to various sporting venues. The protest reportedly began as early as 5:30 a.m., leaving other athletes and officials stranded.

An Ogun athlete who spoke to PUNCH Online confirmed that the protest had been pre-planned the night before, following a meeting among team members. He added that they had yet to receive any payments and were not informed about how much the state government intended to pay them as allowances.

Before the festival began, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun had promised cash rewards of ₦2.5 million for every gold medalist, ₦1.5 million for silver, and ₦1 million for bronze.

Despite the unrest, Ogun currently ranks third on the medals table with 48 gold, 38 silver, and 47 bronze medals.

Efforts to reach the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Wasiu Isiaka, for comments have so far been unsuccessful.

More updates to follow.

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