The Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State, Waslat Adegoke, has come under criticism following the last-minute cancellation of the state’s participation in the ongoing National Para Sports Festival in Abuja.
Affected athletes accused the commissioner of failing to complete the administrative process required for the release of funds, alleging that the necessary documents were not presented for approval despite official notification for the competition being received months earlier.
The para-athletes said the development left many of them stranded after travelling from different parts of the state to Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, where they had assembled ahead of departure for Abuja.
Some members of the contingent were also said to have arrived in Abuja before they were informed that Oyo State would no longer participate in the competition.
The 3rd edition of the festival, which began on Sunday, has drawn athletes with disabilities from across the country to compete in athletics, wheelchair basketball, para powerlifting and amputee football, while defending champions Bayelsa State are seeking a third straight title.
One of the affected athletes, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the cancellation had caused financial and emotional hardship, particularly for athletes who funded their transportation personally.
“We prepared seriously for this competition and spent our own money coming from different locations. Some of us even reached Abuja before hearing that Oyo State would not participate again. It is painful because this competition matters to our careers,” the athlete said.
The athletes described the incident as another sign of what they called repeated neglect of para-athletes in the state, noting that the cancellation had denied them the opportunity to compete for medals, improve rankings and secure national recognition.
They also called on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and ensure payment of outstanding bonuses and award compensation owed to medal winners from previous national competitions.
According to them, several states have already paid their athletes, while Oyo athletes are still awaiting settlement of entitlements.
“This award compensation is what we usually depend on to improve our lives. The governor promised to host us after our last protest, but the commissioner who is expected to push our files for implementation has continued to fail in her responsibilities,” another athlete said.
The athletes also raised concerns over delayed confirmation of appointments and promotion of para-athletes employed under the Oyo State Sports Council.
They warned that poor welfare, lack of job security and delayed incentives were pushing talented athletes to leave Oyo State for other states offering better opportunities.
The athletes appealed for an urgent investigation into the circumstances that led to the cancellation and demanded compensation for losses incurred while preparing for the event.
The festival will run until April 3.
