Athletes representing Kogi State at the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State staged a protest on Thursday over the non-payment of their allowances, demanding the immediate resignation of the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe.

The aggrieved athletes were seen at Babcock University Ilisan-Remo, where they are camping, carrying placards with inscriptions such as "Kogi State Commissioner is not a credible Man," "Commissioner must Go," and "Kogi State Sports officials are 911 Scam."

Allegations of Mismanagement and Unpaid Allowances

Speaking to journalists, Vivian Eberechukwu, a table tennis player representing Kogi State, alleged that the athletes were supposed to receive ₦70,000 but were only paid ₦30,000. She further claimed that many athletes competed on empty stomachs due to financial constraints.

"We are passing a vote of no confidence on the current Kogi State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe. Athletes from Kogi State have been suffering since we came for this year's National Sports Festival," Eberechukwu stated.

The athletes also complained about the lack of sports kits and equipment, which they believe contributed to their poor performance at the competition. Eberechukwu suggested establishing a Sports Commission in Kogi State to address bureaucratic challenges in the sector.

Coaches Also Affected

Reports indicate that the coaching staff have also not received their allowances as of the time of filing this report, further highlighting the financial challenges facing the Kogi State contingent at the National Sports Festival.

Another protester, Celestina, a boxer who won a bronze medal for Kogi State, urged the state government to address their grievances promptly, noting that several athletes had won medals for the state despite the difficult conditions.

Despite the challenges, three athletes—Taiwo Shukurat, Shomyombo Anuluwapko, and Celestina Edoka—have managed to secure bronze medals for Kogi State at the festival.

The Kogi State government and the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development have yet to respond to the allegations and demands made by the protesting athletes.