ABEOKUTA - The Ogun State Government on Friday rewarded members of Team Ogun in the last African Games held in Accra, Ghana.
About 11 athletes from Ogun state were among the contingent that represented Nigeria at the 13th African Games in February this year in Ghana.
The Team Ogun athletes won a total number of 19 medals including 11 Gold and 8 Bronze for the country in Scrabble, Badminton, Athletics, and Handball.
Notable among the athletes are current World record holder in 100 metres hurdle, Tobi Amusan, former African number in Badminton, and Dorcas Adesokan.
Tobi Amusan who was represented by her mother, Mrs Idiat Amusan, and others like Adebisi Adekanbi, Joy Ola, Onyebuchi Chisom, and Shagari John were among the athletes who benefited from the cash flow.
Receiving the athletes at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta at a well attended reception, the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka said the reception was to celebrate the incredible achievements of the talented athletes and to express the state government's gratitude to them for making Ogun State proud on both National and the International stages.
Isiaka noted that, the reward would not only boost their morale but will also inspire others to put in their best since they know their performance will be rewarded.
The Sports Commissioner explained that, in his continuous effort to reposition sports in the Gateway state, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved the sum of N500,000 each for all gold medalists and N250,000 each for all bronze holders, while 15 otjer athletes and the coaches and from Ogun who made the Team Nigeria contingent to the All African Games received the sum of N150,000 respectively.
Also, another 42 athletes who represented the State at both National and zonal sporting events were rewarded by the State government.
"To our own Ogun Athletes who made the list of TEAM NIGERIA at the 13th African Games in Accra Ghana, 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.
"For being so outstanding to have been picked from Team Ogun to represent our country, our sports loving governor, in his continuous effort to reposition sports in Ogun state has graciously approved a reward of N500,000.00 to all the gold medalist, N300,000.00 for silver medalist, N250,000.00 for bronze medalist while N150,000.00 goes to those that did not win and the coaches. You will recall that this gesture has become a norm with Prince Dapo Abiodun’s government as financial rewards were extended to medalists from the 2022 National Sport festival held in Asaba, Delta State.
"As we celebrate your victories, we are reminded of the power of sports to unite and inspire us. The African Games brought together athletes from across the continent, showcasing the diversity and talent that exist among us as African. We are grateful for the opportunity to witness your greatness, just as we look forward to seeing what the future holds for you all.
"The ministry has been engaging in different developmental projects and supporting competitions to give hope and level playing grounds for our local athletes which equally prepares them for bigger roles and needs exposure."
Reviewing the activities of the Sports Ministry in the last six months, Hon. Isiaka said in line with the Building Our Future Agenda of the state government, athletes now get needed support to participate in sporting competitions within and outside the country.
He disclosed that, the state athletes have participated in 10 games in the last 6 months, and have won 36 Gold, 7 Silver, and 8 bronze medals.
He equally stressed that, the State Ministry of Sports Development is carrying out the State government promise in working out modalities to organize a State wide Chess Competition in collaboration with the current world longest and unbeaten player (Chess Master) Tunde Onakoya who is a proud son of Ogun State.
"His Excellency has been supporting the Ministry of Sports Development in all ramifications so that we can have a robust, impactful and working platform for all our grassroots athletes to excel and reap the benefits of their labour.
"Furthermore our State owned football club Gateway United football club has been repositioned to regain back her lost glory, making it a truly State own club by creating a sense of ownership to all Ogun state indigene,increase her fan base and make it more attractive to corporate or individuals for sponsorship among others. In the next few weeks, we shall roll out some of these initiatives by the grace of God.
"We have created avenues to showcase our local talents from the grassroots by organizing different competitions locally to sharpen their various skills and boost their morale.
"On the participation of Team Ogun in the upcoming National Sports festival, the Team Ogun steering committee was inaugurated. They have immediately swung into action. The open camping, mini trials and scouting for athletes to form Team Ogun through school sports, competitions are ongoing.
All Ogun indigene who have skills in all sports will be invited to the final and open trials. On the upcoming National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games 2024, the government is committed to organize a hitch-free, seamless and truly Nigeria National Sports festival that will be rich in culture and bring back the true essence of the fiesta.
"It is a game with uncountable opportunities, an economy booster and indeed a truly unifying factor that has no ethnic and religious barrier. I therefore call on all indigent and Nigerians in Ogun State to see the event as their own and join hands with us to make it a success."
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