Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has permitted ₦50 million in money rewards for athletes, coaches and officers following the state’s efficiency on the second Niger Delta Games in Benin City, Edo State.
The beneficiaries embrace 44 athletes who gained medals on the regional competitors. The rewards have been offered on Tuesday on the convention room of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the state capital.
Speaking on the ceremony, the Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, who represented the governor, stated the incentives have been permitted in recognition of the contingent’s efficiency on the 2026 Games.
He attributed the state’s improved exhibiting to the federal government’s funding in sports activities improvement, notably the availability of ordinary tools for athletes’ coaching.
Bassey recalled that Akwa Ibom’s efficiency on the first version of the Games, which the state hosted in Uyo, had fallen wanting expectations.
However, he stated the discharge of funds for the acquisition of sports activities tools had helped enhance the athletes’ preparations and outcomes.
“Following our impressive outing at the Games in Benin City, Edo State, where we performed very well, the governor directed that all the athletes who won medals for the state should be rewarded with cash incentives. Today, he has fulfilled that promise, and I can say that all the winners have already received their rewards, paid directly into their bank accounts,” he stated.
The commissioner added that the governor had prolonged the gesture past medal winners to incorporate athletes who didn’t win medals, coaches and different members of the state’s contingent.
He described the choice to reward your entire crew as a big improvement within the state’s sporting historical past, saying it demonstrated the federal government’s dedication to recognising athletes’ efforts no matter their outcomes.
Bassey urged the athletes to stay disciplined and devoted to their careers, assuring them of continued authorities help as they pursue success at nationwide and worldwide competitions.
He additionally disclosed that three Akwa Ibom athletes who gained medals for Nigeria on the not too long ago concluded Commonwealth Games in Scotland had been rewarded with computerized employment into the state civil service.
Under the Niger Delta Games reward scheme, gold medal winners acquired ₦500,000 every, silver medallists ₦250,000 and bronze medallists ₦150,000.
Among the highest beneficiaries was weightlifter Samuel Sampson, who gained three gold medals and acquired ₦1.5 million.
Tennis participant Etoro Bassey, who gained one gold and one silver medal, acquired ₦750,000, whereas Hephzibah Okon earned the identical quantity after successful gold within the 800 metres and silver within the 1,500 metres.
Wisdom Paul additionally acquired ₦750,000 for successful gold medals within the particular person and combined tennis occasions.
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Beulah Bassey, a bronze medallist in scrabble, thanked the governor for recognising their performances and rewarding their efforts.
She additionally counseled the Ministry of Sports for its help and coordination, pledging that the athletes would work more durable to enhance their performances and win extra medals for the state at future competitions.
The money incentives kind a part of the state authorities’s efforts to encourage sporting excellence and inspire athletes to compete at larger ranges.
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