By Femi Atolagbe

Athletes representing Ogun State at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival have protested the non-payment of their allowances, with just two days remaining in the 2024 Gateway Games.

The protest left other athletes and officials stranded at the Games Village in Babcock University.

Buses conveying athletes to various event venues were not allowed to move, as athletes wearing Ogun tracksuits blocked the gate.

It was gathered that the protest began as early as 5:30 a.m. today.

One of the athletes representing Ogun State confirmed that they had held a meeting about the protest last night and went ahead with their plans this morning.

According to him, they have yet to be paid and do not know how much the state intends to pay them as allowances.

It will be recalled that Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, pledged a cash reward of N2.5 million for every gold medalist from the state, N1.5 million for silver medalists, and N1 million for bronze medalists.

The state is currently third on the medals table, with 48 gold, 38 silver, and 47 bronze medals.