Unpaid Allowances Spark Protest Among Ogun Athletes at Gateway Games 2024

Tensions flared at the Gateway Games 2024 on Wednesday as athletes from Ogun State protested the non-payment of their allowances by blocking buses at the Games Village in Babcock University.

The action disrupted transportation for other athletes and officials, causing delays just days before the festival’s end.

The protest began early in the morning, around 5:30 a.m., with Ogun athletes in their official tracksuits preventing buses from leaving the village. Footage circulating among officials captures the standoff vividly.

One athlete from Ogun stated that the protest was planned after a meeting held the previous night. “We are still waiting for our allowances and have no information about the amount the state will pay us,” he said.

Governor Dapo Abiodun had earlier promised monetary rewards for medal winners: N2.5 million for gold, N1.5 million for silver, and N1 million for bronze. Ogun State has performed well, ranking third on the medals table with 48 gold, 38 silver, and 47 bronze medals.

Onyx News is awaiting a response from Wasiu Isiaka, the Commissioner of Sports for Ogun State, on the matter.