The Ogun State Government has commenced the disbursement of cash rewards to athletes who won medals at the recently concluded 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), held in Abeokuta.
This follows Governor Dapo Abiodun’s earlier pledge to financially reward athletes for their outstanding performances at the event, which was tagged “Gateway Games 2024”.
Ogun State delivered an impressive showing as host, finishing second on the overall medals table behind perennial champions Delta State, after a dramatic late surge saw them overtake Bayelsa State. Ogun secured 93 gold, 65 silver, and 80 bronze medals, edging Bayelsa by a single gold to claim the runner-up position.
In recognition of their efforts, Governor Abiodun had promised ₦2.5 million for every gold medal, ₦1.5 million for silver, and ₦1 million for bronze. In addition, each athlete who represented Ogun State was to receive ₦50,000 and a festival allowance of ₦140,000.
Despite initial delays in payment—which led to a protest by athletes at the Babcock University Games Village, halting events for several hours on the penultimate day—payments have now begun. Some athletes confirmed receipt of the ₦50,000 participation fee and said their medal bonuses were being processed.
“He did it,” one gold medallist told newsmen. “Some have been paid already. I was told to send my account number for compilation, and my coach promised to follow up.”
At the closing ceremony held at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Governor Abiodun praised the athletes, saying their performance embodied the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence.
“To our athletes, you are all champions. You have not only competed, you have inspired and embodied the true essence of sports where excellence meets honour and discipline meets grace,” he said.
The 22nd NSF featured more than 10,000 athletes from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and invited junior athletes, competing across multiple disciplines.
Delta State extended its dominance by clinching the top spot for the fifth consecutive and ninth overall time. The next edition of the National Sports Festival will be hosted by Enugu State in 2026.
