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

Governor Abiodun, who presented cheques and certificates of commendation to the athletes, at the Basketball Pavilion of the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta, stated that Gold medalists would receive N500, 000, just as Silver and Bronze medalists would get N300, 000 and N250, 000, respectively.

Represented by his Commissioner in the Sports Ministry, Gov. Abiodun revealed that coaches and other athletes who did not win any medal at the Games would get N150, 000 each.

He enthused that the athletes gave an impressive display of talents and dedication, through hard work and perseverance, culminating in the ultimate recognition that the medals and financial rewards symbolise.

“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 hinted that as part of his administration’s effort to reposition sports and sporting activities in the state, government was working out special health and insurance scheme for the athletes, reiterating his administration’s commitment to supporting the Ministry, to have a robust and impactful platform for grassroots sports to thrive, athletes to excel and reap the fruits of their labour.

In her welcome address, the Acting Director of Sports, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Alade congratulated the athletes, saying their dedication and passion for sport had paid off with these accomplishments.

She advised them to continue to strive for greater achievements in their various careers, saying they have great potential to inspire others to strive for excellence.

She submitted that sports should not just be an activity to keep body and soul together as a form of recreation or to prevent diseases, but a great avenue to unite nations, as well as a huge industry for wealth creation, with versed areas of specialisation for meaningful engagement and source of livelihood.

On behalf of the recipients of the financial reward, the number one African player in Badminton, Miss Dorcas Adesokan, appreciated the government for the gesture, saying the reward would motivate them to do more for the state and country at large.