2024 NSF: Athletes Discontent Misinterpreted as Protest, Says Ogun Sports Commissioner

2024 NSF: Athletes Discontent Misinterpreted as Protest, Says Ogun Sports Commissioner

By Niyi Busari 

 Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, has refuted claims that the state government is owing athletes participating in the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, dismissing the recent demonstration at the Games Village as a misrepresentation.

In an exclusive interview with BSN Sports, Isiaka clarified that the protest, which temporarily disrupted activities at Babcock University, was not rooted in unpaid allowances but rather in technical challenges with disbursing payments to athletes using non-commercial bank accounts.

“Some athletes complained they hadn’t received their allowances. But the issue wasn’t that the funds weren’t provided — it was with transferring money into accounts held in non-commercial banks,” Isiaka explained.

He added that minor logistical concerns such as the delay in distribution of tracksuits had also been exaggerated, contributing to the false narrative of a widespread protest.

“These are normal, small issues that had already been resolved. But as they were asking questions and making inquiries, some people interpreted it as a protest. As we speak, there’s nothing of the sort happening anymore,” he said.

Defending the state government’s efforts, the commissioner stressed that athletes had received the promised allowances from the governor and questioned why other states were not facing similar scrutiny.

“Some people are even claiming the athletes are owed ₦50,000. That’s not true. The money in question is what the governor promised them for qualifying to represent the state. I’m not aware of any unpaid allowances,” he stated.

Isiaka acknowledged that questions and agitation are normal, especially during large-scale events like the National Sports Festival, but urged the public to distinguish between legitimate concerns and misinformation.