Ogun Govt blames the impatience of athletes as a national sports festival protest

The Government of the State of Ogun has described as “unfortunate and unnecessary” the protest organized by some of its athletes in the current National Sports Festival Excessive payment of assignments.

In a statement published on Tuesday, the special advisor of Governor Dapo Abiodun in media and strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade criticized the protest, insisting that the demonstration was promoted by impatience despite the State’s commitment to the welfare of athletes.

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“The protest early today for some athletes is not only unfortunate but also should not be read in the statement.

“It remains in marked contrast to the immense success that the State has registered in the host of the festival, from the great opening ceremony to the impressive performance of the Ogun team.”

Akinmade assured the public that all the necessary agreements for the disbursement of the assignments and that the athletes had begun to receive their payments through bank transfers had been completed.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun remains deeply sensitive and committed to the well -being of all participants in the festival,” the statement continued.

“There is no circumstance under which allows Ogun athletes to suffer or be careless.”

According to the government, the athletes who took the protest lines were poorly informed and acted prematurely, since the payment process was already underway at the time of their demonstration.

The protest, which took place earlier in the day, saw a handful of athletes who transported banners and demanded the immediate payment of their agreed subsidies.

The incident briefly interrupted activities on the festival land, calling the attention of spectators and officials.

However, government sources have confirmed that the disbursement of the funds began shortly after the incident, with several athletes who received confirmation alerts from their respective banks.

Although the government has requested calm, it also reiterated the importance of discipline and patience to address complaints.

The National Sports Festival, organized by Ogun State, has been acclaimed as one of the most colorful editions in recent years, with the OGUN team already ensuring several medals in several categories. Despite the protest, the authorities say that the State remains focused on guaranteeing a successful and memorable exit for all participants.

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