Athletes protest non-payment of allowances at maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival

A protest erupted on Tuesday at the Cornelia Connelly College (CCC) camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, where athletes participating in the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) were camped, following the non-payment of their allowances.

The festival, which is set to conclude on Tuesday with its closing ceremony, has seen athletes from Cross River, Abia, Imo, and Ondo States voicing their frustration after the payment of their allowances was delayed.

The aggrieved athletes locked the gate to their hostel, preventing entry and exit, as they had not received any official information regarding the amount they were supposed to be paid. One athlete, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed dissatisfaction with the situation.

“It is unfair to us,” the athlete said. “We made this festival happen, and without us, there wouldn’t be any event. We deserve better treatment. We have families, too.”

Another athlete mentioned the subpar living conditions in the camp and stated that while they had heard the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had provided funds for payment, they had yet to see any results.

Co-chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Sir Itiakor Ikpokpo, who is also the consultant for the NDSF, explained the delay. He attributed it to the Remita network system, which is processing payments for over 4,000 athletes. He assured the athletes that their allowances would be paid by the end of the day.

“Many states submitted their account details late, but we are working to ensure everyone gets paid,” Ikpokpo said. “At least six states will receive payment today.”

He confirmed that the NDDC, as the sponsor of the festival, had made arrangements for the allowances, and he urged athletes to remain calm as the situation was being addressed.