Temisan Olaifa
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, promised a cash reward of N2.5 million for any of his state athletes who won gold medals at the 22nd National Sports Festival.
Abiodun made the promise when he visited the athletes’ camp at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.
“Any gold medal winner in this festival will receive from me the sum of N2.5 million while a silver medalist will get N1.5 million and bronze medalist N1 million,” he said.
He also promised the sum of N1.5 million and N1 million for silver and bronze medalist winners.
The governor promised the sum of N50,000 each to all participating athletes at the competition within 24 hours.
“You are here because you are the best from Ogun, anyone who is not here is not good enough to represent the state.
“You are not here to compete alone but to win. We are hosting to win, and you must bring the medals home,” he said.
Abiodun said that the state has produced world-class sportsmen and women who have made the nation proud.
He said that the sports festival was organised to bring all Nigerians together in unity.
“By the time you leave here, you will be bonded together and exchanged hands of fellowship across the country.
“You have come from all parts of the state, camped and trained for months in readiness for the competition.
“The state has made available the facilities that would forever be a reference point in sports.
“The newly renovated International Sports Arena in Abeokuta will be hosting international competitions. We are working to develop the sports economy in Ogun, he said.
Abiodun, who called on the athletes to cooperate with officials, promised to address minor challenges noted, stating that a competition of such magnitude could not be 100 percent free from hiccups.
The competition, which began on May 16, will end on May 30.
