The Ogun State Government has expressed regret over a protest staged by some of its athletes at the ongoing National Sports Festival, describing the action as a result of impatience and misinformation regarding their allowances.
In a statement released by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, the government voiced its disappointment with the protest, stating that it contradicted the core values and high standards the state strives to uphold.
According to Akinmade, all financial arrangements for the athletes’ allowances had already been finalized, with payments scheduled and already in progress as of Tuesday.
“Governor Dapo Abiodun remains deeply sensitive and committed to the welfare of all participants at the festival,” the statement read. “There is no circumstance under which he would allow Ogun athletes to suffer or be neglected.”
The protest, which occurred earlier in the day, involved a small group of athletes expressing frustration over delayed payments. However, the government maintains that the demonstration was unnecessary, emphasizing that bank alerts confirming allowance disbursements had begun to reach athletes as planned.
“The protest earlier today by a few athletes is not only unfortunate but also uncalled for,” Akinmade added. “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.”
Reiterating that the protest was a case of impatience, the government urged athletes to remain calm and focused on their competitions, assuring them of continued support and welfare throughout the festival.
