Ogun State contingents to the 21st National Sports Festival in Delta State are expected to arrive in Asaba today after protests about overpayment of allowances and welfare rocked their departure for the games on Tuesday.
The athletes staged a protest on Tuesday morning to register their displeasure at how they have been treated and denied proper pre-tournament preparations by the management of the sports council.
According to one of the athletes who spoke with journalists on an anonymity level, the sports council has intentionally made them go through stress and has not shown concern about their welfare.
“The allowances we were given are not in tandem with what we earn traditionally. They have reduced it beyond what can even fend for us individually. No camping exercise allowance, and as we are about to head to Asaba, they still went ahead to reduce what should be given to us. Because of that, we have decided to resort to this protest and we are not just protesting, we won’t be going to Asaba if this is not addressed as fast as they can.”
While reacting to the situation, Director of Sports, Ogun State Sports Council Iyabode Rotimi confirmed that the athletes were already boarding to depart for Asaba as at the time our correspondent got in touch with her, suggesting that the situation had been brought under control.
“We are loading our team for onward travelling to Asaba at the moment. It’s very rowdy here, so I won’t be able to answer your questions,” Rotimi said.
Team Ogun won 16 gold, 23 silver and 36 bronze medals to place 8th at the last edition in Benin City, Edo State.
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