Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has begun fulfilling his financial reward pledge to athletes who brought glory to the state at the recently concluded 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), popularly known as the Gateway Games 2024, held in Abeokuta.
In line with the governor’s pre-festival promise, athletes who won medals for the host state have started receiving cash rewards for their performances. Gold medallists are receiving N2.5 million each, silver medallists N1.5 million, and bronze medallists N1 million. Additionally, all participating athletes were granted N50,000 each for representing the state, along with a festival allowance of N140,000.
The payments began just days after the conclusion of the event, confirming the governor’s commitment to honouring his word.
“He did it,” one of the medal-winning athletes confirmed. “Some of us have been paid already. I was asked to send my account details, and my coach assured me the rest will follow up.”
Despite a brief protest by athletes over delayed payments at the games village in Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, which disrupted activities for several hours, the situation was swiftly addressed, leading to the eventual disbursement of funds.
Ogun State, which hosted the event, finished second on the overall medals table, its best performance in years. The state clinched 93 gold, 65 silver, and 80 bronze medals, overtaking Bayelsa State late in the competition. Delta State, maintaining its dominance, emerged overall champions for the fifth consecutive time and ninth time overall.
During the closing ceremony at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun commended the athletes for their discipline, determination, and sportsmanship.
“It has taken an entire state united in purpose to deliver an experience our nation will not forget in a hurry,” he said.
“To our athletes, you are all champions. You have not only competed, but you have inspired. You have embodied the true essence of sports, where excellence meets honour, and discipline meets grace.”
The Gateway Games 2024 brought together over 10,000 athletes from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and invited junior athletes, competing across various sporting disciplines.
The next edition of the National Sports Festival is scheduled to be held in Enugu State in 2026.
