The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has rewarded athletes who received medals on the twenty second Nationwide Sports activities Pageant in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with money prizes for his or her excellent performances.
The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, in a press release on Friday, mentioned the athletes who represented Plateau on the Gateway Video games introduced dwelling gold, silver, and bronze medals in varied sporting occasions, together with gymnastics, athletics, taekwondo, and weightlifting.
Mr Bere mentioned the governor introduced ₦1 million for every gold medalist, ₦750,000 for silver medalists, and ₦500,000 for bronze medalists in particular person occasions. Crew sports activities winners will obtain ₦5 million, ₦3 million, and ₦2 million respectively.
Talking throughout a reception and award ceremony on the New Authorities Home, Little Rayfield, Jos, Mr Mutfwang described the athletes as “true ambassadors and shining examples of Plateau’s resilience, excellence, and profitable spirit.”
“Our athletes have as soon as once more proved that Plateau State stays the house of champions,” he mentioned. “You may have introduced delight and glory to our expensive state via your excellent performances. That is solely the start of higher issues to come back.”
The governor mentioned his administration’s funding in sports activities was yielding outcomes and would proceed to deal with reforming buildings, upgrading amenities, and enhancing athletes’ welfare.
“After we got here in, we found that a few of you needed to borrow cash to attend competitions. We determined that should cease,” Mr Mutfwang mentioned. “Immediately, athletes obtain their allowances and logistics help instantly, with none interference. This authorities means enterprise.”
He additionally disclosed plans to remodel the Plateau State Sports activities Council right into a Sports activities Fee to draw non-public funding and increase participation at native and worldwide ranges.
“We’re decided to make sports activities a powerful pillar for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and financial development,” the governor added.
Responding, the workforce captain, Ayuba Kabiya, thanked the governor, noting that the administration had offered full help for transportation, allowances, and preparation for the competition.
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“Your Excellency, the transformation we see within the stadium and sports activities administration right this moment is a direct reflection of your visionary management,” Mr Kabiya mentioned.
The Director of Sports activities, Ezra Gunen, recommended the governor’s transparency and well timed launch of funds, which he mentioned had restored confidence amongst athletes and personal sponsors.
“For the primary time, our athletes acquired all their entitlements at once. This marks a brand new period for sports activities in Plateau,” Gunen mentioned.
The occasion was attended by authorities officers, sports activities directors, non-public sponsors, and jubilant athletes who hailed the governor’s “continued funding in sports activities growth”.
