Retired boxer, Jerry Okorodudu, has cried out that he is dying of hunger over the non-payment of his 10-month salary by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Okorodudu, who represented Nigeria at 1984 Olympics Games in Los Angeles, USA said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that he now begs to eat and feed his family.
“I have travelled to Abuja severally and also written letters to the ministry but nothing is forthcoming, all they do is to keep referring me to different people in the ministry.
“I am dying of hunger and can no longer cater for my family because my salary has not been paid in the last 10 months.
“I have represented this country during my active years and should not be treated this way, this is bad,” the national boxing team assistant coach said.
The1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games bronze medallist raised a similar alarm in 2016 over non-payment of14 months’ salary arrears.
“A similar thing happened in 2016 where I petitioned the ministry and the court ordered them to pay me the 14 months salaries they owed me as at then,” he said.
The former boxer, who also won two gold medals at the African Championship in 1982, lamented the treatment from the sports ministry in spite of his contributions and sacrifices for the country.
“My pensionable job in the ministry was changed to a contract; the Nigeria Boxing Federation has also sidelined me by removing me from every competition.
“I represented this country well as an athlete and a coach, but it is a pity that this is happening to me and other former sportsmen and women in the country,” he said.
