Nigeria, May 29 -- The Ogun State Government has described Wednesday's protest by its athletes at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival as "unfortunate" and "a result of impatience," insisting that payments of allowances were already underway when the demonstration occurred.

In a statement issued by Kayode Akinmade, special adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, the government said arrangements for the disbursement of allowances had been concluded the previous day, and that many athletes had already begun receiving their payments.

"The protest earlier today by a few athletes is not only unfortunate but also uncalled for. It stands in stark contrast to the immense success the state has recorded in hosting the festiva...