Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has presented cash rewards totalling ₦474million to athletes and officials of Team-Ogun, following the state’s outstanding performance at the 22nd National Sports Festival hosted by the State
Governor Abiodun who was represented by the State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya presented the cash rewards during a ceremony held on Monday at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, in appreciation of the medalists, who finished in second position behind the perennial champions, Delta state on the overall medals table with 239 medals, the best performance ever recorded by the State in the history of the sports festival.
Abiodun described the achievement as a testament to the steady growth of sports development in the state, stressing that his administration remains committed to recognising excellence.
He disclosed that all training allowances, participation allowances and contractual fees owed athletes and officials had been fully settled.
According to him, immediate cash rewards earlier promised during his visit to the athletes’ camp were promptly fulfilled, including ₦50,000 paid to every qualified athlete and instant bonuses for medal winners before the festival’s closing ceremony.
The governor announced a historic reward package for medalists, including₦2.5 million each for 93 gold medalists; ₦1.5 million each for 61 silver medalists, and ₦1 million each for 81 bronze medalists.
He added that additional provisions were approved for athletes in team sports to acknowledge their collective contributions.
Abiodun said the gesture was aimed at motivating athletes and encouraging young people across Ogun State to embrace sports as a viable career path.
The governor also approved special financial support for technical officials, announcing ₦10 million for coaches through the Director of Coaching and ₦14.8 million for participating officials via the Director of Administration and Supply.
He commended their discipline, mentorship and professionalism, describing them as key drivers of Team Ogun’s success.
Abiodun highlighted the transformation of the sports sector in Ogun State, citing increased hosting of international competitions, improved sporting infrastructure, and greater utilisation of facilities by national teams and leagues including the reigning Africa Women's Champions, Super Falcons and Nigeria's female under-20 side, Falconets for their ongoing Worldcup qualifier and CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup matches involving both Remo Stars of Ikenne-Remo and Kwara United of Ilorin
He expressed appreciation to sports administrators, private sector partners and other stakeholders for supporting the growth of sports in the state.
Looking ahead to the next National Sports Festival in Enugu, the governor urged athletes to remain focused and encouraged aspiring talents to participate in open trials and development programmes.
He congratulated Team Ogun for making the state proud and reaffirmed his administration’s continued investment in sports development.
Earlier, the State Sports Development Commissioner, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka appreciated the governor for investing massively in the sporting facilities, particularly at the MKO Sports Arena in Kuto and Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja both in Abeokuta
He lauded the athletes and officials for doing the State proud as the last sports festival while acknowledging the efforts of members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for their outstanding media coverage of the event
The State SWAN Chairman, Comrade Micheal Azeez-Ogunsiji described the cash rewards as unpresidented in the history of rewarding athletes and officials in the state, lauding the governor for redeeming his pledge to the team during the last sports festival
He however appealed to Governor Abiodun to extend similar cash rewards to members of SWAN who ensure smooth and adequate coverage of the sports festival before, during and after the sports festival
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