The Lagos State Sports Commission has responded to allegations of injustice made by a blind athlete, Justina Mokwue, who claimed the state has failed to adequately compensate her despite years of dedication and sacrifice.
Mokwue had taken to social media to narrate her ordeal, stating that despite winning medals and bringing glory to Lagos State, she has been met with “silence, indifference, and neglect.”
The visually impaired athlete, who represents Lagos State in para-athletics, claimed her 2022 award was taken away, and her 2025 award is also being withheld.
“Years of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice for Lagos State, and yet, nothing to show for it. No rewards, no recognition, no compensation for the resources I’ve invested, the finances I’ve spent, and the strength I’ve exerted to bring glory to my state,” Mokwue wrote.
She narrated how she trains as early as 4 am on an empty stomach, under the scorching sun and in the pouring rain, just to make Lagos State proud.
The athlete also recounted falling into an open tunnel at Fadeyi bus stop along the way leading to Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, stating that most visually impaired athletes have sustained several injuries due to this.
The athlete questioned why Lagos State should not adequately compensate athletes when even the implements they use for training are being bought by the athletes themselves.
“When even the implements we use for training are being bought by us, the athletes, of which I am a living witness, all my implements are being bought with my money. So, tell me, why should Lagos State not adequately compensate us?” she asked.
Responding to the allegations, the Director-General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, expressed sympathy towards Mokwue but clarified that rewards are discretionary and not mandatory entitlements.
“I feel sympathetic towards this individual. However, it is important to clarify that rewards are not mandatory gestures; they are discretionary. For instance, the President awarded Super Falcons and D’Tigress $100,000 based on exceptional performance,” Fatodu told The PUNCH.
“This does not mean we will not recognise those who have shown support and skill for sports improvement. The sports commission, like Lagos State and others, focuses on amateur sports development.”
The Director-General stated that Mokwue has received considerable support from the state government.
“This individual speaking has received more support from our governor than others. Recently, the agency responsible for the activities of people living with disabilities spoke to us about creating tailored sporting engagements for individuals like this lady. This individual is among those who received N150,000 to N200,000 from our reward system as well,” he said.
Fatodu explained that following competitions, just like after the Olympics, there is a dissolution of federations across the board, which was also done in Lagos State.
“Regarding the 2022 award, while I wasn’t in office at that time, I was appointed in 2024. It is my responsibility to review the details and events. When this issue was brought to my attention, I mentioned that while it is encouraging for athletes to be recognised and awarded for their performance, the awarding entity is often moved by exceptional performance,” he stated.
The Director-General emphasised that the commission is building a galaxy of amazing, fresh, energetic, and vibrant young people who can transition into senior teams.
“Our goal is to create a clear path for our athletes, ensuring they have an identity and a plan for life after sports. I understand that reforms and changes often face pushback and agitation, but we are committed to informing people of their rights and privileges,” Fatodu added.
“Rewards are privileges, not rights. We have introduced instant awards, where athletes receive rewards immediately upon winning. It is our duty to look at things holistically and let fairness and justice guide our actions.”
The commission recently reaffirmed its decision to dissolve Senior Team Lagos, a move aimed at injecting fresh energy, renewed discipline, and a stronger competitive spirit into the state’s sporting programmes.
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