Naira rains on Amusan, Adesokan, others

Posted : 07 July 2024

The Ogun State Government has rewarded members of Team Ogun from the last All African Games held in Accra, Ghana.

About 11 athletes from Ogun State were part of the contingent that represented Nigeria at the 13th All African Games in Ghana in February this year.

The Team Ogun athletes won a total of 19 medals, including 11 Gold and 8 Bronze in Scrabble, Badminton, Athletics, and Handball.

Notable among the athletes are Tobi Amusan, the current world record holder in the 100 meters hurdles, former African Badminton champion Dorcas Adesokan, and others.

Tobi Amusan, represented by her mother Mrs. Idiat Amusan, along with Adebisi Adekanbi, Joy Ola, Onyebuchi Chisom, and Shagari John, were among the athletes who benefited from the cash rewards.

Receiving the athletes at the Alake Sports Centre in 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 bringing pride to Ogun State on both national and international stages.

Isiaka noted that the rewards would not only boost their morale but also inspire others to strive for excellence, knowing that their efforts will be recognized.

The Sports Commissioner explained that, in his ongoing efforts to elevate sports in the Gateway State, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved a reward of N500,000 each for all gold medalists, N250,000 each for bronze medalists, and N150,000 each for 15 other athletes, coaches, and team members from Ogun who participated in the All African Games.

Additionally, another 42 athletes who represented the State in national and zonal sporting events were also rewarded by the State government.

"To our Ogun athletes who represented Team Nigeria at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana, your dedication and perseverance have paid off, and your names will be remembered as champions in history.

"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 endure for years to come.

"Being selected from Team Ogun to represent our country is a testament to your outstanding performance. Our sports-loving governor, in his continued efforts to promote sports in Ogun State, has graciously approved rewards of N500,000.00 for gold medalists, N300,000.00 for silver medalists, N250,000.00 for bronze medalists, and N150,000.00 for other athletes and coaches.

"This gesture, which has become a tradition under Prince Dapo Abiodun's government, also extended financial rewards to medalists from the 2022 National Sports 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 Africans.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to witness your greatness and look forward to seeing what the future holds for all of you.

"The ministry has been engaged in various developmental projects and supporting competitions to provide opportunities and a level playing field for our local athletes, preparing them for bigger roles and exposure."

Reviewing the Sports Ministry's activities over the past six months, Hon. Isiaka said that in line with the state government's Building Our Future Agenda, athletes now receive the necessary support to participate in sporting competitions within and outside the country.

He disclosed that state athletes have participated in 10 games in the last 6 months, winning 36 Gold, 7 Silver, and 8 Bronze medals.

He also emphasized that the State Ministry of Sports Development is fulfilling the state government's promise by working out modalities to organize a statewide Chess Competition in collaboration with Tunde Onakoya, the current world's longest and unbeaten Chess Master and a proud son of Ogun State.

"His Excellency has supported the Ministry of Sports Development in all aspects to ensure a robust, impactful, and functional platform for our grassroots athletes to excel and reap the rewards of their hard work.

"Furthermore, our state-owned football club, Gateway United Football Club, has been repositioned to regain its former glory, becoming a truly state-owned club by fostering a sense of ownership among all indigenes of Ogun State, increasing its fan base, and making it more attractive for corporate sponsorship, among other initiatives.

"In the coming weeks, we will launch some of these initiatives, God willing.

"We have created opportunities to showcase local talent from the grassroots by organizing various local competitions to sharpen their skills and boost their morale.

"Regarding Team Ogun's participation in the upcoming National Sports Festival, the Team Ogun Steering Committee has been inaugurated and is already active. Open camps, mini-trials, and athlete scouting for Team Ogun through school sports competitions are ongoing.

"All Ogun indigenes with sporting skills will be invited to the final open trials.

"As for the upcoming National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, the government is committed to organizing a seamless and truly Nigerian National Sports Festival that celebrates our culture and restores the true essence of the festival.

"It is a game with countless opportunities, an economic booster, and indeed a unifying factor without ethnic or religious barriers.

"I therefore call on all indigenes and Nigerians in Ogun State to consider this event as their own and join us in making it a success."

Naira rains on Amusan, Adesokan, others

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