The Association staged a protest in Abeokuta on Thursday, expressing deep concern and disappointment over the development, stating that the caterers, many of whom are widows and struggling women have relied on such job to support their families and also send their children to school.
Speaking on behalf of the association, the National President, Mrs. Francisca Ojo said the catering job has served as a major source of livelihood for thousands of women across the 36 states of the federation.
She disclosed that many members of the association had traveled from Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Imo, Calabar, Rivers, and other parts of the country, bringing along foodstuff and other materials in preparation for the sport festival .
She called on Governor Abiodun to intervene, describing the situation as unfair and economically harmful to grassroots women entrepreneurs.
“We have spent our own money, paid for transportation and hotel accommodation, brought food supplies. Now we’re stranded. This is our fatherland. We’re not asking for favors; we’re asking for fairness. We beg His Excellency to use his good office to address this issue.
“All of us here have packed our belongings and travelled from across the country, Abuja, Calabar, Rivers, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, all states in the country, only to be told that we would not be participating”.
Mrs. Ojo also acknowledged that the Honourable Commissioner for Sports had met with them and urged patience while efforts were being made to resolve the matter.
However, she noted that no further communication had been received since then.
The association is demanding a review of the decision and greater inclusion in the catering services for the festival.
They propose that multiple caterers be engaged to provide quality services to the estimated over 2,000 attendees of the National Sports Festival.
The association called for a more transparent and inclusive process to ensure that they can participate in the festival and provide quality services to the attendees.
