Sports
GOV. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Friday rained Naira rewards on members of the state contingents to the 2022 National Sports Festival tagged: “Delta 2022”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyo State came fourth on the medals table after winning 50 gold medals, 51 silver medals and 62 bronze medals.
Makinde and some cabinet members hosted the contingent at the Executive Chamber of his office, state Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.
Also, athletes of the state’s extraction at the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, UK between July and August 2022, as well as the African Cycling Track Championship, were among the sports men and women hosted by the governor.
Makinde announced a package of N1 million each for gold medalists; N500,000 for each silver medal and N350,000 each for bronze medal, as well as N250,000 each for non-medalists.
He equally announced the gift of 10,000 dollars for Rofiat Lawal, who won a gold medal in the Weightlifting at the Commonwealth Game, while Silver and Bronze medalists, Liadi Taiwo and Osijo Taiwo, got 7,500 dollars and 5,000 dollars respectively.
“For athletes that won medals at the African Cycling Track Championship, for every silver medal, we will give 3,500 dollars, while for Bronze, we will give 1,500 dollars,” the governor said.
Makinde said that the gesture was in appreciation of the honour the athletes brought to the state.
He added that the rewards were to encourage youths in the state to become more involved in sporting activities.
The governor also encouraged the athletes to put in more efforts and bring more glory to the state in their future endeavours.
Makinde hinted that his government: “is set to acquire the Obafemi Awolowo Sports Complex, formerly Liberty Stadium, from the Federal Government.
“I am submitting a letter to the Minister for Youths and Sports to give Oyo State the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium.
“They have given the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu to Enugu State.
“Last week, they gave the one in Kaduna to Kaduna State. So, it is on that basis that we are also saying they should give us this one, and I believe it will be successful.”
He said his administration would continue to invest in sport facilities across the geopolitical zones of the state.
According to him, the investment in sports facilities will help in the hunt and development of talents across the length and breadth of the state.
“Let me also put it on record that we bided for the hosting of the next festival, but unfortunately, we lost to Ogun State.
“But don’t worry, as that may give us time to even get a bit more grounded and also work on more of our facilities. After Ogun State, we will still bid,” he said.
Makinde said that his administration would address the challenge of shortage of staff, completion of the remodelling of Lekan Salami Sports Complex, as requested by the State Sports Council.
“Please, be rest assured that Lekan Salami Stadium will be completed on or before the end of this year.
“The modern equipment you have requested will be procured to aid the performances of our athletes.
In his remarks, Seun Fakorede, the state Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, commended the governor for his exemplary motivation and commitment to youths and sports development.
Fakorede said the athletes were determined to bring more glory to the state.
He called for provision of more sporting infrastructure for them.
Also, the Team Captain, Omotoyosi Osowa, thanked Makinde for keeping to his promise to reward the athletes and also for the provision of first class sporting facilities in the state.(NAN)
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Tags: Commonwealth Games Gov. Seyi Makinde Omotoyosi Osowa
