OVER N450M APPROVED AS GOV ABIODUN REWARDS TEAM OGUN MEDALISTS, COACHES AT NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Ogun State Government has paid out more than ₦450 million in cash incentives to athletes, coaches, and officials who represented the state at the 22nd National Sports Festival 2024, tagged Gateway Games, held in Abeokuta in March.

Ogun State emerged second overall at the festival, securing 93 gold, 65 silver, and 81 bronze medals.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the cinema hall of the June 12 Cultural Centre, Governor Dapo Abiodun represented by the State Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya charged the athletes to remain worthy ambassadors of the state and Nigeria.

The governor described the feat as evidence of the steady progress of sports development in Ogun State, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to rewarding excellence.

He revealed that all outstanding training allowances, participation allowances, and contractual obligations to athletes and officials had been fully paid.

According to him, the immediate cash incentives promised during his visit to the athletes’ camp were promptly redeemed, including the payment of ₦50,000 to each qualified athlete and instant bonuses to medal winners ahead of the festival’s closing ceremony.

The governor also announced an unprecedented reward scheme for medallists, with ₦2.5 million awarded to each of the 93 gold medallists, ₦1.5 million to each of the 65 silver medallists, and ₦1 million to each of the 81 bronze medallists.

He further disclosed that additional incentives were approved for athletes in team sports in recognition of their collective efforts.

The governor explained that the initiative was designed to motivate athletes and inspire youths across Ogun State to pursue sports as a sustainable career.

He also approved special financial packages 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.

Commending their discipline, mentorship, and professionalism, Abiodun described the officials as critical to Team Ogun’s impressive outing.

The governor further highlighted the ongoing transformation of the state’s sports sector, pointing to the hosting of international competitions, upgraded sporting infrastructure, and increased use of facilities by national teams and leagues.

He also thanked sports administrators, private sector partners, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the development of sports in the state.

Ahead of the next National Sports Festival in Enugu, the governor urged athletes to stay focused and encouraged emerging talents to take advantage of open trials and development programmes.

He congratulated Team Ogun for making the state proud and reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in sports development.