Athletes from Ogun State Stage Protest Over Unpaid Allowances,Obstruct Entrance to Games Village During National Sports Event
Athletes from host state Ogun blocked the gates of the Babcock University Games Village during the 22nd National Sports Festival, demanding the full payment of their agreed allowances, leaving several athletes and officials stranded ahead of the competition's conclusion.
The unrest, which erupted on the penultimate day of the festival, disrupted movement within the games village, impacting participants from various states. The aggrieved athletes insist they will not vacate the premises until their full entitlements are paid, citing disappointment at receiving only ₦140,000 out of the ₦210,000 they claim was agreed upon as their 14-day allowance.
Athletes told news outlets that they had been paid ₦50,000, an amount pledged by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, but were taken aback by the receipt of only a part of their agreed allowance. One athlete told Punch, "We have been paid ₦50k this morning, which was what the governor promised. But to our amazement, they have started paying ₦140k as the festival allowance instead of ₦210k."
Another athlete added, "In solidarity, we are not leaving this place until the money is complete. The festival is ending tomorrow. If our money remains even 50 naira, we are not leaving this place. It has to be completed."
Before the festivities commenced, Governor Abiodun had promised substantial incentives for medal-winning athletes from Ogun: ₦2.5 million for each gold medal, ₦1.5 million for silver, and ₦1 million for bronze. As the festival draws to a close, the state government faces mounting pressure to address the issue, with athletes and observers alike calling for resolution and accountability.
It is worth noting that the festival, themed "Gateway Games 2024," took place from May 16 to May 30, 2025, and featured 15,000 athletes from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory competing in 549 events across various sports disciplines[5]. The event was held at multiple venues, including the MKO Abiola Sports Complex and Alake Sports Centre in Abeokuta[5].
As the incident remains unresolved, the delay raises questions about Ogun State's preparedness and commitment to the welfare of its athletes despite being the host state. The ongoing dispute also highlights broader concerns about the management of sports events in Nigeria, particularly regarding athlete welfare and financial commitments.
- Despite the ongoing unrest at the Babcock University Games Village during the 22nd National Sports Festival, several athletes and officials from Naija (Nigeria) are still demanding their full agreed allowances in naira, a sum of ₦210,000, rather than the ₦140,000 they have received so far.
- Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun pledged ₦50,000 as an immediate payment to every athlete, but athletes are displeased that they have only received this amount and not the full sports allowance of ₦210,000 that was agreed upon.
- As the 22nd National Sports Festival nears its conclusion, football (soccer) players and other athletes are vowing to remain in the Games Village until the full amount of their agreed allowances, which includes incentives for winning medals, is paid in full.
