All African Games: Gov Abiodun rewards Ogun medalists

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has rewarded athletes who won medals at the 13th All African Games held in Accra, Ghana.

Abiodun announced a cash reward of N500,000, N300,000 and N250,000 to Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists respectively.

The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, also added that a sum of N150,000 would be given to coaches and other athletes who did not win medals at the competition.

While explaining that the State Government through the Ministry is working out a special health and insurance system for the State athletes.

He noted that the athletes gave an impressive display of talents and dedication, through hard work and perseverance which culminated in the ultimate recognition that the medals and financial rewards symbolize.

“Your dedication and perseverance have paid off, and your names will go down in history as champions. You have proven that, with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Your achievements will continue to inspire a new generation of athletes, and your legacy will live on for years to come,” he said.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Sports Development in all ramifications so as to have a robust and impactful platform for grassroots sports to thrive and athletes to excel and reap the benefits of their labour.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Acting Director of Sports, Mrs Oluwatoyin Alade, congratulated the State-nurtured athletes, saying their dedication and passion for their sport have paid off with these accomplishments.

She advised them to never stop striving for greater achievements in their various careers, saying they have great potential to inspire others to strive for excellence.

She submitted that sports is not just an activity to keep body and soul together as a form of recreation or to prevent diseases, but it has become a great avenue to unite nations, as well as a huge industry for wealth creation with versed areas of specialisation for meaningful engagement for committed individual athletes and officials as the source of livelihood.

Miss Dorcas Adesokan, the No.1 ranked African player in Badminton on behalf of the recipients appreciated the State Government for the gestures, saying the reward would go a long way in motivating them to do more for themselves, the State and the country at large.