By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

Athletes who represented Ogun State at the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games, have received their long-awaited cash rewards, nine months after the conclusion of the competition.

Team Ogun delivered a historic performance at the festival, finishing second overall with a total of 239 medals the state’s best outing since its participation in the national sporting event.

Speaking at the award ceremony on Monday, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the feat as evidence of steady growth in sports development across the state. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rewarding excellence and sustaining investment in the sector.

Represented at the ceremony by the Ogun State Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, the governor disclosed that all outstanding training allowances, participation allowances, and contractual fees owed to athletes and officials had been fully settled.

He noted that the immediate cash rewards earlier promised during his visit to the athletes’ camp were fulfilled without delay, including ₦50,000 paid to each qualified athlete and instant bonuses awarded to medalists before the festival’s closing ceremony.

In what he described as a historic reward package, the governor announced ₦2.5 million for each of the 93 gold medalists, ₦1.5 million for each of the 61 silver medalists, and ₦1 million for each of the 81 bronze medalists. Additional provisions were also approved for athletes in team sports to recognise their collective contributions.

According to Abiodun, the gesture is aimed at motivating athletes and inspiring young people across Ogun State to pursue sports as a viable career path.

The governor further approved special financial support for technical officials, allocating ₦10 million for coaches through the Director of Coaching and ₦14.8 million for participating officials via the Director of Administration and Supply. He commended their discipline, mentorship, and professionalism, describing them as critical to Team Ogun’s success.

Abiodun also highlighted ongoing reforms in the state’s sports sector, citing the hosting of international competitions, improved infrastructure, and increased use of sporting facilities by national teams and leagues.

He expressed appreciation to sports administrators, private sector partners, and other stakeholders for their continued support in advancing sports development in Ogun State.