Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has promised a reward of N2.5 million for each gold medal won by the state’s athletes at the National Sports Festival kicking off on Sunday in the state.
The governor also promised the sum of N1.5 million and N1 million, respectively, for each silver and bronze medal won at the competition.
Governor Abiodun made the promise when he visited the Athletics Camp at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing the state contingents at the camp, Governor Abiodun further promised the sum of N50,000 to each participating Ogun State athlete within 24 hours, urging them to go and make the state proud.
“I understand that when you win a medal, there is an instant award. Once you get a medal, you get a reward, a huge one.
“Anyone who wins a gold medal in this festival will receive from me the sum of N2.5 million.
“For every silver medal, I will give that medalist N1.5 million.
“Anyone who gets a bronze medal will receive N1 million.
“You are here because you are the best from Ogun State. Anyone who is not here is not good enough to represent Ogun State. You are not here to compete alone, but to win. We are hosting to win, and you must bring the medals home.”
Ogun, Abiodun noted, is known for being the best, just as the state has produced world-class sportsmen and women who have made the nation proud, appreciating the athletes for displaying exemplary character in serving their motherland.
He said the state has provided the needed infrastructure and facilities for a seamless competition, emphasizing that it is the first time all athletes are camped together for the National Sports Festival competition.
“The National Sports Festival was organized to bring all Nigerians together in unity. By the time you leave here, you will have bonded together and exchanged hands of fellowship across the Niger and Benue.
“You’ve come from all parts of this state, camped, and trained for months in readiness for the competition.
“We have made available the infrastructure and facilities that have become the reference point in sports in Nigeria. Our newly renovated International Sports Arena in Abeokuta will be hosting international competitions, and we are working to develop the sports economy in Ogun State,” the governor stated.
While calling on the athletes to cooperate with officials, the governor promised that the minor challenges noted would be addressed, as a competition of such magnitude could not be 100 percent free from hiccups.
