As the drums of another National Sports Festival begin to beat, this time echoing towards Abeokuta, many athletes across the nation are still burdened by the silence that followed the last one. Since the Delta/Asaba 2022 Sports Festival, countless athletes have been left unpaid — their efforts unrewarded, their dreams sidelined, and their sacrifices ignored.
These are not just competitors. They are sons and daughters of this great nation who poured heart, soul, sweat, and spirit into representing their states with pride.
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They brought home medals, raised flags, and stood tall on podiums. Yet, they now sit in the shadows, waiting — not for glory, but for fairness.
And now, a new festival is on the horizon.
How do we move forward with glory when the foundation is still cracked with neglect? Instead of inciting panic, we are raising a call — a plea wrapped in dignity. We call upon every State Commissioner for Sports, every Director General of State Sports Commissions: Do the needful. Settle what is due. Give these athletes the honor and recognition they’ve earned.
Let the road to Abeokuta be paved with justice. Let this next festival not be overshadowed by unpaid promises, but celebrated for its spirit and fairness. If these issues are not resolved, this matter will be made public — and the names of defaulting states will be called out without hesitation.
This is not a threat. This is a cry for accountability.
The athletes deserve better. Nigeria deserves better. Let us not prepare for another festival by burying the shame of the last. Let us rise — together — in truth, in justice, and in the glory of sport.
