Ilorin: Gov AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has rewarded state medalists at the 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF) in Abeokuta, Ogun, with cash prizes.
At the ceremony held on Friday in Ilorin, Gold medalists received N1 million, Silver medalists received N500,000, and bronze medalists received N300,000 each.
Similarly, the coaches and secretaries of the Kwara team also received a cash reward of N500,000.
Speaking at the ceremony, AbdulRazaq said the gesture was to acknowledge, celebrate, and reassure the athletes that the state and its people appreciate them, and will continue to honour their commitments to the state.
” This gathering is symbolic in many ways. It is a show of gratitude to all our athletes who won medals at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun.
” For us, these athletes are our heroes and heroines in their own right. With six gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze medals, these athletes have made us proud, and we are proud of their efforts, exploits, and, above all, patriotism.
”Secondly, we have organised this to acknowledge, celebrate, and reassure these athletes and future champions that the state and its people appreciate them.
”Nothing can compensate for your efforts, but history will remember how you deployed your talents and energy to bring honour to our state,” the governor said.
In a related development, AbdulRazaq also announced the full payment of the outstanding N201 million sign-on fee for Kwara United coaches and players, which dated back 16 years.
He said this underscored the commitment to the welfare of all, including athletes and coaches.
He added that his administration has done a lot to reposition Kwara in all spheres, by upgrading several sporting facilities and building new ones.
”Some of these facilities are unique to Kwara in Nigeria and on the African continent.
”We have also tried to put our teams in top shape, and these efforts are paying off already, as the recent historic victory of Kwara United Football Club shows.
”Our strategic purpose is to ensure that Kwara becomes the number one hub for raising talents and deploying them for national development and shared prosperity.
The Executive Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Bola Mogaji, commended the governor for bringing drastic changes to sports since the inception of the administration.
He said the upgrading of facilities has made Kwara an athlete-producing state, as they hardly have a competition drought, even in less popular sports.
Kwara finished 14th on the log, having won six gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze medals.
