The Oyo State Government has defended its decision to provide instant cash rewards to athletes at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun, describing it as a morale booster.
Amid public concerns that the incentives were inadequate, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mrs. Wasilat Adegoke, clarified that the immediate rewards were designed to motivate athletes currently competing, while a separate comprehensive package would be announced by Governor Seyi Makinde after the event.
She noted that the state remains committed to supporting its athletes and upholding its legacy as the “pacesetter state.”
“Our governor has been rewarding athletes in the previous editions of the NSF). Aside from the festival, he also rewarded Oyo athletes at the last commonwealth games.”
“The N20,000 for gold medalist, N10,000, and N5,000 for silver and bronze medalists respectively are primarily meant to motivate, encourage, and challenge athletes during the events. This is how we do our things.
“Apart from this, all registered athletes in Abeokuta have received their allowances, and they’re doing us proud on the medals table.”
“Our governor will continue to support and motivate athletes in the state. I can assure you that our athletes will be hosted, celebrated, and rewarded handsomely by the governor.
“People should check our records; we have done this before, and we shall continue to do even better,” she said.
It was reported that Oyo state came fourth at the NSF, Edo 2022, with 50 gold medals, 51 silver and 62 bronze.
The medalists were received by the governor and gold medalists received N1 million, Silver medalists N500,000, winners of bronze collected N350,000 while non medalists received N250,000 each.
