The Ogun State Government has rewarded exceptional athletes that represented the State at the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State with over Seven million naira, reiterating it’s commitment to sports development.
The Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, while presenting the cheques to the young athletes, assured the athletes of government’s readiness to nurture them to enviable heights, saying the State Government is now institutionalizing reward for hard work for outstanding performances, especially in sports.
A cheque of 300, 000 naira was presented to the gold medalists, 200, 000 naira to the silver medalists and 100, 000 to bronze medalists, while the immediate past Director of Sports, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Alade was given a 500, 000 naira in recognition of her commitment to the development of the young athletes.
Represented by his Commissioner in the Sports Ministry, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, Gov. Abiodun attributed the successes recorded during the games and other competitions, to the current administration’s resolve to take sports back to the grassroots.
“Your outstanding performances have not only brought glory to our state , but have also earned you invitations to the national camp for the Commonwealth Games next year. This is a phenomenal opportunity for our athletes and we are excited to see what the future holds for you.”
“Our gold medalists will participate in the upcoming National Sports Festival under a special arrangement that will be unveiled soon. This is just one of the many ways we aim to support and promote our athletes on a national stage”, Abiodun said.
Abiodun revealed that his administration intends to use the National Sports Festival to lay a solid foundation for sports in Ogun State, especially the school and grassroot sports, saying this, amongst others, is the reason the government is revamping stadia across the state.
Earlier, the Acting Director of Sports, Mr. Oluseyi Sonde while appreciating the Governor of the State, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his commitment to the development of sports in the state, urged the medalists to continue to strive for excellence, as their success is not just a testament of individual accomplishments, but a reflection of the potential within them.
He revealed that the power of sports, if we’ll utilized, can unite, inspire and transform lives, advising the young athletes to be inspired by the examples before them, to work hard, be focused and never give up on their dreams.
Responding on behalf of the medalists, Ayomide Heritage, who emerged as the best wrestler in the 42kg category at the Youth Games, while expressing her gratitude to the State Governor for the gesture, noted that the financial reward will go a long way in helping her career, promising to work hard and make the state proud in subsequent national and international competitions.
Ayobami Disu
Dupe Odeniyi
Press Officers, Ministry of Sports Development
