The Lagos State Sports Commission has dismissed claims by some athletes that they were denied rewards for winning medals at the 2020 and 2022 National Sports Festivals.
The protests came weeks after Lagos made history at the 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba, topping the medal table with 51 gold, 31 silver, and 24 bronze medals, displacing Delta State.
In response, the commission’s Director General, Lekan Fatodu, announced the dissolution of the ‘senior athletes’ group, a move he said was aimed at injecting fresh energy, discipline, and competitiveness into Lagos sports.
Fatodu explained that the alleged promises of medal rewards were made before he took office and were not backed by official documents.
“That demand is not statutory,” he said. “We have never owed, and we will never owe. All statutory allowances and grants are paid without delay.”
Athletes’ representative Rasheedat Hassan criticized the dissolution, stressing that many athletes remain committed to representing Lagos despite unresolved issues. She added that they still await responses from the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Governor’s Office after submitting protest letters.
While confirming that allowances were not owed, Hassan said athletes wanted improved monthly pay and broader coverage. Fatodu noted that athlete grants had already been increased three times recently, with more reviews underway to expand support for different sports.
