Despite inflation as a result of economic hardship, athletes from Osun participating in the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State got reduced allowances from the State government.
The Osun Sports Council described the reduction as “necessary considering the State’s financial challenges.”
The reduced allowance is coming at a time the State is recording over 50% increase in the allocation it gets from the Federal Government.
According a release by the Director of Coaching and Training, Ademola Daini, on Sunday, the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, who is also the Commissioner for Sports and Special Needs, approved the payment on Sunday after a media report on it.
“I wish to inform the house that through the intervention of His Excellency, Prince Kolawole Adegboyega Adewusi, the Commissioner for Sports, and Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Hon. Abiola Awoyeye, all the sports that qualified has been approved to travel to Asaba and participate in the National Youths Games.
“Also, they are working tirelessly to make sure that all contingents get their benefits before we leave for Asaba on Tuesday. We pray that God Almighty will crown their efforts so that we can have a successful outing.
“On behalf of the General manager and the entire management, I thank all the contingents for their understanding and support,” the statement reads.
In another statement signed by the General Manager, Mr Rotimi Dunmoye, the Osun Sports Council confirmed the reduction, describing it as necessary given the state’s financial reality.
“The reduction in allowances mentioned in the article was a necessary adjustment given the state’s financial realities. These adjustments were made to accommodate a larger number of athletes and officials participating in national competitions.
“It is important to note that the contingent representing Osun at the National Youth Games has increased in number compared to previous years. The government’s priority is to encourage as many athletes as possible to participate and showcase their talents on national platforms.
“Painfully, the officials are at the receiving end of the financial adjustments, but this was done to avoid dropping any athletes or officials from participation.
“While the state, like many others, faces financial challenges, it is critical to emphasize that Prince Kola Adewusi has never ignored files or failed to forward them to the Governor for approval.
“The Deputy Governor, alongside the Osun State Sports Council, has worked tirelessly to ensure that all processes are in place to facilitate the participation of Osun athletes in the upcoming National Youth Games. The allegation that files have been withheld is simply not accurate,” the statement reads partly.
