Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has promised a cash reward of N2.5 million for any state athlete who wins gold medal at the 22nd National Sports Festival.

Mr Abiodun made the promise when he visited the athletes’ camp at the Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo in the Ikenne Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

He said, “Any gold medal winner in this festival will receive from me the sum of N2.5 million while a silver medallist will get N1.5 million and bronze medallist N1 million.’’

He also promised silver and bronze medallist winners N1.5 million and N1 million respectively. The governor promised N50,000 each to all participating athletes at the competition within 24 hours.

He stated. “You are here because you are the best from Ogun State, anyone who is not here is not good enough to represent the state. You are not here to compete alone, but to win, we are hosting to win, and you must bring the medals home.”

Mr Abiodun added that the state had produced world-class sportsmen and women who made the nation proud.

He said that the sports festival was organised to bring Nigerians together in unity.

He noted, “By the time you leave here, you will be bonded together and exchange hands of fellowship across the country. You came from all parts of the state, camped and trained for months in readiness for the competition. The state has made available the facilities that would forever be a reference point in sports. The newly renovated International Sports Arena in Abeokuta will be hosting international competitions. We are working to develop the sports economy in Ogun.’’

Mr Abiodun who called on the athletes to cooperate with officials, promised to address minor challenges noted, stating that a competition of such magnitude could not be 100 per cent free from hiccups.

The competition which began on May 16 will end on May 30.

(NAN)