Protest Rocks Abeokuta: Caterers Storm Gateway Games Over Alleged Last-Minute Snub By Organisers

Barely 24 hours before the kickoff of the much-anticipated Gateway Games: National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, a wave of protest erupted as scores of disenfranchised caterers stormed the event venue over what they describe as a shocking breach of agreement by the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

The caterers, many of whom are widows and sole breadwinners, say they were initially enlisted to provide meals for athletes and officials—but were unceremoniously dropped and replaced by Babcock University without notice.

Addressing journalists amid the tense protest, Francisca Ojo, National President of the association of caterers, voiced the collective disappointment and despair of her members.

“We submitted our documents last year, followed every single procedure, and were even recontacted last week for final details,” she said. “We took this as confirmation and began transporting our foodstuff and equipment to Ogun State, only to be told the job is no longer ours.”

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According to Ojo, over 80 caterers were physically present at the protest, with many more still en route to the state—left stranded and without funds after investing heavily in preparation for the now-lost contract.

No Food Poisoning, No Cholera, No Failures – Ojo also dismissed any speculation of past service failures being the reason for their removal.

“There was nothing like food poisoning, no bad food, and no cholera. We delivered quality service in the past. We thank Baba Obasanjo who started this initiative and helped us feed our children through it,” she added emotionally.

Another aggrieved caterer, Feyi, lamented the decision, stating that all applicants were acknowledged and had supporting documents to prove their involvement.

“Now we are hearing that Babcock University has been awarded the contract. That’s why we’re appealing to Mr. Governor—please, help us. This is our land, and we are being unjustly denied,” she pleaded.

The protesters claimed that while the Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports addressed them briefly on Wednesday and urged patience, no official resolution or compensation has been communicated.

With the opening ceremony looming, the abandoned caterers are demanding immediate intervention from Governor Dapo Abiodun, warning that their plight should not be swept under the