Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved the disbursement of over ₦450 million in cash rewards to athletes and officials who represented the state at the 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024, held in Abeokuta last March.
Team Ogun finished second at the games with 93 gold, 65 silver, and 81 bronze medals.
Speaking at an event held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, the governor, represented by the State Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, described the achievement as a testament to the steady growth of sports development in the state.
Abiodun disclosed that all training allowances, participation allowances, and contractual fees owed to athletes and officials had been fully settled. He noted that 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 reward package of ₦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. 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 the state to embrace sports as a viable career path.
He also approved special financial support for technical officials, including ₦10 million for coaches through the Director of Coaching and ₦14.8 million for participating officials via the Director of Administration and Supply.
The governor 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.
Looking ahead to the next National Sports Festival in Enugu, Abiodun urged athletes to remain focused and encouraged aspiring talents to participate in open trials and development programmes. He reaffirmed his administration’s continued investment in sports development.
