•Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State
The Ogun State government has disbursed over ₦450 million in cash rewards to the state’s contingent and officials for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival 2024, tagged Gateway Games, held in Abeokuta, the state capital, last March.
The state had finished second with 93 gold medals, 65 silver, and 81 bronze, reports Channels TV.
At the event held at the cinema hall of the June 12 Cultural Centre, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the State Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, urged athletes to continue being good ambassadors of the state and the country at large.
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 to 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 medallists, including ₦2.5 million each for the 93 gold medallists, ₦1.5 million each for the 65 silver medallists, and ₦1 million each for the 81 bronze medallists.
He added that additional provisions were approved for athletes in team sports to acknowledge their collective contributions.
The governor said the gesture was aimed at motivating athletes and encouraging young people across Ogun State to embrace sports as a viable career path.
He 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 the state, citing increased hosting of international competitions, improved sporting infrastructure, and greater utilisation of facilities by national teams and leagues.
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.
