Activities resume at Sports Council as athletes suspend protest

By Femi Atolagbe
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Normalcy has returned to the Ondo State Sports Council as athletes suspend their protest after Commissioner’s intervention.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Dotun Owanikin, while addressing the  athletes in Akure, expressed displeasure at the plight of the sports men and women in the state.

He said the Ministry and the Sports Council would work together to avoid similar situation in future.

The Commissioner appealed to them to always give peace a chance at the Sports Complex and embrace dialogue.

He added that “I am disturbed at the situation that you are being owed your entitlements.

“The wellbeing of Ondo State workers has always been the priority of the current government  since the inception of this administration.

“The Governor has graciously approved the allowances in question, while the relevant  authorities in charge of salaries have assured that the allowances are going to be paid along with salaries of civil servants.”

He frowned at the shutdown of the Sports Complex saying it is the height of disrespect.

” I must say it that the way you locked out your management was not good enough; its the height of disrespect.”

The athletes had protested for two days over the non payment of their allowances.

The Commissioner,  added that  they were all members of the same family as he would not want to be a Commissioner for dispute issues.

Owanikin promised that the outstanding athletes would always be celebrated, anytime they make the state proud by winning laurels

The athletes however unlocked the Sports Complex immediately and assured the Youth and Sports Ministry of their cooperation henceforth.

Later, while speaking to the Sporting Hope,  the General Manager of the council, Mr Wande Fabuluje confirmed the reopening of the sports complex.

He added that normal administrative activities have immediately commenced at the council.

The General Manager “said the athletes have returned to training in preparation for the elimination in Ibadan ahead of the National Youths Games slated for Ilorin in September”.

Earlier, two of the athletes, Tosin Olajubutu and Tumise Olalehin had complained about their conditions of service, the state of sports facilities and the absence of health facilities to take care of injured athletes.