National Sports Festival: Athletes protest in error, says ogun state government

The Ogun State Government has declared that the protesting athletes at the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) acted in error, stating that the protest was inconsistent with the values and objectives the state upholds.

Penpushing reports that it is recalled that athletes representing Ogun State at the festival on Wednesday took to the streets to protest unpaid allowances, blocking the main entrance to the Games Village at Babcock University.

The protest left scores of athletes from other states stranded, particularly those scheduled to compete in morning events, while many of them from other states were unable to exit the Games Village to reach their competition venues on time, resulting in significant disruptions to the festival’s logistics.

Penpushing further reports that the athletes’ accused Ogun state government of reneging on financial commitments made to the team before the commencement of the tournament being hosted by the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, in a statement on behalf of the host state described the protest as regrettable and expressed disappointment.

Penpushing also reports that Akinmade pointed out that the athletes acted out of impatience, as all necessary arrangements had been concluded for the payment of their allowances on Tuesday.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun remains deeply sensitive and committed to the welfare of all participants at the festival. There is no circumstance under which he would allow Ogun athletes to suffer or be neglected’, Akinmade stated

‘The protest earlier today by a few athletes is not only unfortunate but also uncalled for. 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’, he added.

Penpushing reports that the statement disclosed that payment of allowances had already commenced, with athletes receiving bank alerts as scheduled, emphasized that those who protested did so in error and was a clear case of impatience.

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