Athletes who represented Ogun State at the 2024 National Sports Festival and the 2025 National Youth Games have accused the state government of neglect and non-payment of allowances and bonuses months after both events.
Several athletes and coaches told The PUNCH that they had yet to receive their promised payments despite repeated appeals. The unpaid benefits reportedly include camp allowances, performance bonuses, and medal rewards announced by Governor Dapo Abiodun during the festival.
A senior official who spoke anonymously described the conditions at the Youth Games in Asaba as “terrible,” citing poor accommodation, inadequate transport, and unhygienic facilities. “Some children slept on the bare floor and had to share thin mattresses,” the official said.
Athletes also complained about poor medical support and meals, with one youth athlete hospitalised after sustaining an injury. “We just want the government to care for the children representing the state,” a parent pleaded.
Head coach Saidat Oladele confirmed that the delay in payments had affected morale. “The athletes call me every day to ask when they’ll be paid. Some are frustrated,” she said.
During the festival, Governor Abiodun promised N2.5m for gold medalists, N1.5m for silver, N1m for bronze, and N50,000 for every participant. But months later, no one has received payment.
Team Ogun’s captain Isau Ogunkunle said the promises remained unfulfilled. “The awards have not been paid as promised,” he said.
Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Sports, Wasiu Isiaka, and the Sports Council Director, Seyi Sonde, were unsuccessful, as both declined interviews.
