Athletes are demanding the immediate payment of the cash which they alleged has been delayed by the management of the Ondo State Sports Council.
Speaking to our correspondent Isaac Afolabi who was at the sports complex in Akure, capital of the state, a coach who pleaded anonymity, said the athletes reward had been delayed after the 2012 national sports festival which took place in Lagos. It took the effort of the men of the Nigeria police to disperse angry athletes who barred the sports council Chairman Mrs Joyce Akinbulumo and other official from leaving their office.
Earlier in September, Ondo State Government promised to honour athletes who won medals in various sports at the time for which fund had also been disbursed by the state as confirmed by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Dayo Awude.
Ondo state is a household name when it comes to the leagues of state with meaningful contributions to the national development be it in Agriculture, music and art and especially sports. The state also boast of numerous talented youths who have distinguished themselves in sports and have brought pride to the state. Some of who include Lawrence Adegbehingbe a Commonwealth gold medalist in the early 80s, table tennis sensation Ojo Onoolapo, Olympians like Aminat Adeniyi and Odunayo Adekuoroye to mention but a few.
It is also important that government officials endeavour to keep to their part of the deal whenever promises are made to athletes who have represented the states or country in any given event as the lively hood of some of the athletes largely depend on what the benefits.
