…State Celebrates National Sports Festival Medalists with Cash Rewards
#KwaraRising
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq hosted and rewarded the state’s 2024 National Sports Festival medalists during a ceremony at the Ilorin Banquet Hall on Friday. Gold medalists received N1 million each, silver medalists N500,000, and bronze winners N300,000, with coaching staff also receiving financial recognition.
The state’s contingent secured six gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze medals at the Abeokuta-hosted tournament. Governor AbdulRazaq praised the athletes as “heroes” whose achievements brought honor to Kwara, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to sports development.
In a landmark announcement, the Governor revealed the settlement of a N201 million sign-on fee debt owed to Kwara United FC players and coaches for 16 years. “This underscores our commitment to athlete welfare,” AbdulRazaq stated, highlighting recent infrastructure upgrades including an Olympic-sized swimming pool and continental-standard squash courts.
Sports Commission Chairman Bola Magaji credited the achievements to the Governor’s support, noting increased international representation for Kwara athletes. Former Sports Commissioner Hameed Adio commended the administration’s dual focus on sports and education.
The event was attended by sports administrators, local government officials, and SWAN Chairman Ismail Ayodeji, who urged hosting Kwara United’s continental matches in Ilorin to boost local morale and economy.
