Assistant Commissioner of Police Ogun State, Alabi Akinjide, was at the Games Village gates of Babcock University on Wednesday morning as Ogun State athletes continued their protest over unpaid allowances and broken promises at the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival (Gateway Games).
ACP Akinjide, accompanied by officers from the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, and Amotekun, addressed the protesting athletes and urged calm, reminding them that Babcock is a private institution and not state property.
“We are here to assess the situation and maintain peace. So far, there has been no injury or destruction of property,” the ACP told Athletic NG, before referring further enquiries to the Ogun State Police PRO.
ACP Alabi Akinjide, speaking to some Ogun State athletes. Photo Credit: Athletic Images
The athletes, camped at the main gate since early morning, maintained that their protest was peaceful and aimed solely at drawing the attention of the state government. They insisted no staff had been blocked from entering the university and refuted claims of obstruction.
Athletes Demand Promised Allowances
The athletes allege that:
- They were paid ₦78,000 as a two-week camp allowance, but many remained in camp for up to a month with no further payments.
- They were promised ₦20,000 daily bonuses during competition now 11 days in — but nothing has been paid.
- A ₦50,000 instant performance bonus, said to have been pledged by Governor Dapo Abiodun for each athlete post-competition, also remains unpaid.
Several athletes told Athletic NG and Prime Sports Radio that they are particularly aggrieved by the state’s failure to honour the ₦50,000 bonus, which they claim was promised to be paid within 24 hours of competing.
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Though Governor Abiodun also announced cash prizes of ₦2.5 million for gold, ₦1.5 million for silver, and ₦1 million for bronze, the athletes confirmed this was not part of the current protest, noting that no timeline was ever given for those rewards.
Heavy Security presence at the Babcock University Gate. Photo Credit: Athletic Images
Adding to the unrest is dissatisfaction over contractual terms. Athletes say they were initially promised a ₦100,000 monthly salary for one year but were later offered a revised contract of ₦75,000 for five months, which many refused to sign.
“We’ve worked hard to make this state proud,” said one athlete. “All we’re asking is that Ogun State keep its word.”
The state is third on the medals table with 48 gold, 38 silver and 47 bronze medals.
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As at the time of reporting, the protest was ongoing at the Games Village entrance, with athletes still seated peacefully under the watch of heavily stationed security personnel. The athletes insist they will remain in place until a government representative addresses them directly or honours the commitments made.
