Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced cash rewards running into millions of naira for athletes of the state who have excelled in various national and international competitions, in a bid to further motivate and recognize sporting excellence as the Gateway Games 2024 approaches.
The gesture, which comes just months before Ogun State hosts the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival tagged “Gateway Games 2024,” underscores the Abiodun-led administration’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.
During a recent ceremony held in Abeokuta, the governor handed out financial rewards to Ogun-born athletes who flew Nigeria’s flag at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana, where the state’s contingent contributed 19 medals — comprising 11 gold and 8 bronze — across events such as athletics, badminton, scrabble, and handball. Among the athletes honoured was world champion hurdler and record holder, Tobi Amusan.
Each gold medalist received ₦500,000, while bronze medalists went home with ₦250,000. In addition, 15 other athletes and coaches from the state, who were part of Nigeria’s contingent, were awarded ₦150,000 each. Governor Abiodun noted that the reward scheme is part of a broader effort to encourage dedication and peak performance among Ogun athletes.
The state government had earlier doled out over ₦7 million to athletes who represented Ogun at the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State. Gold, silver, and bronze medalists from that event received ₦300,000, ₦200,000, and ₦100,000 respectively — a move that was widely praised by sports stakeholders across the country.
Ahead of the much-anticipated Gateway Games scheduled to hold from May 16 to May 30, 2025, Ogun State has intensified preparations, including the renovation of key sporting facilities such as the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta and the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. The government says it is determined to deliver a world-class sports festival that will set a new benchmark in Nigeria’s sports calendar.
To ensure Team Ogun is fully prepared, the governor approved the release of ₦16.5 million to support the 33 registered sports associations in the state. The fund is expected to aid technical readiness, logistics, and athlete welfare in the lead-up to the festival.
In a strategic move to drive the long-term development of sports in the state, Governor Abiodun recently named Nigerian football icon, Chief Segun Odegbami, as Ogun State’s Grand Sports Ambassador. Odegbami’s appointment comes with the mandate to coordinate a comprehensive sports vision that aligns with the state’s youth empowerment agenda and to help elevate the Gateway Games to international standards.
The governor reiterated that his administration views sports not merely as recreation but as a powerful tool for economic growth, youth engagement, and positive global visibility. He expressed optimism that with the right support and infrastructure, Ogun athletes will not only shine at the upcoming sports festival but also continue to make the nation proud on global platforms.
