Gateway Games 24: Ogun Begins Payment of Athletes Allowances, Says Protesters Were Impatient

By: Israel Adeleke 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija, OTN News reports that the Ogun State Government has described the protest staged by some athletes representing the state at the ongoing National Sports Festival over delayed allowances as a clear case of impatience.

OTN News further reports that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, said that those who protested did so in error.

OTN News recalls that early Wednesday morning, some athletes participating in the ongoing National Sports Festival, hosted by Ogun State, moved down to Moshood Abiola Olawale, MKO Stadium, blocked the entrance, alleged that the State government failed to pay their allowances.

However, reacting to this claim, the state government, said that the athletes acted out of impatience, as all necessary arrangements had been concluded for the payment of their allowances on Tuesday.

According to him, 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.

“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,” the statement continued.

He further disclosed that the payment of allowances had already commenced, with athletes receiving bank alerts as scheduled.

“Those who protested did so in error. It was a clear case of impatience,” he concluded.