For athletes and officials of Team Ogun, the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta provides the best opportunities for reaping all benefits possible in their sporting career.

For the first time in the history of the Games, the state has dangled the biggest financial reward for the athletes, following Governor Dapo Abiodun’s series of cash rewards to motivate and appreciate Team Ogun in the Games.

As the athletes were preparing for the opening ceremony, held yesterday at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence.

According to him, all athletes currently in camp and accredited to represent Ogun State will receive N50,000 each within 24 hours, a gesture of appreciation for their hard work and commitment to excellence.

“We are proud of every athlete who has qualified to wear the Ogun State colours. They are the best of the best, and we will not let their dedication go unnoticed,” the governor said.

To further inspire top performance at the games, Governor Abiodun also unveiled a special reward structure for Team Ogun, with the sum of N2.5m set aside for each gold medalist. Silver medalists will be awarded N1.5 million each, while bronze medalists will receive N1 million each.

Governor Abiodun emphasised that, as professionals in politics, his administration believes in making and keeping promises, especially when it comes to empowering young talents and promoting excellence.

Before now, the Delta State government topped the list of states that give big financial rewards to athletes.