Tensions flared on Tuesday at the Cornelia Connelly College (CCC) athletes’ camp during the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as competitors protested the non-payment of their allowances. The unrest erupted hours before the event’s closing ceremony, with athletes refusing to vacate their camps until their dues were settled.
Athletes from Cross River, Abia, Imo, and Ondo States, housed at the CCC camp, reportedly barricaded hostel gates to block movement in and out, demanding clarity and immediate payment. Participants criticized organizers for failing to disclose allowance amounts beforehand and delaying payments until after the event.
“This is unfair. We made this festival happen—without us, there’s no event. We deserve better treatment. How can I return home empty-handed when my family expects something?” one anonymous athlete told reporters. Another participant expressed frustration over poor camp conditions and claimed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had delegated payments to a consultant, yet no funds had been released.
Responding to the outcry, Sir Itiakor Ikpokpo, Co-chairman of the main organizing committee and consultant for the festival, attributed the delay to technical issues with the Remita payment platform. He assured that allowances for over 4,000 athletes and officials would be processed by Tuesday’s end, citing late submission of bank details by some states as a contributing factor.
“We’re finalizing the uploads. At least six states will receive payments today,” Ikpokpo stated, emphasizing the NDDC’s full financial backing for the event. “There’s no cause for alarm—all dues will be settled.”
The festival, sponsored by the NDDC, aimed to promote regional unity through sports but concluded under a cloud of discontent as athletes awaited the resolution of the payment dispute.
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