Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Friday hosted and rewarded athletes who represented the state at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
At a reception held at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin, the Governor presented cash gifts and certificates of recognition to the athletes. Gold medalists each received ₦1 million, silver medalists got ₦500,000, while bronze medalists were awarded ₦300,000 each. Members of the coaching crew also received financial rewards in appreciation of their efforts.
Kwara athletes returned from the competition with a total of 29 medals—six gold, eleven silver, and twelve bronze.
In a major gesture of support for sports development, Governor AbdulRazaq also announced the immediate payment of ₦201 million in outstanding sign-on fees owed to Kwara United coaches and players—debts that have lingered for over 16 years.
“These athletes are our heroes and heroines,” the Governor declared. “With six gold, eleven silver, and twelve bronze medals, they have made us proud. Today’s event is our way of saying thank you and showing that Kwara State values your patriotism and achievements.”
Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized that the event was not just about rewarding current champions, but also encouraging future talents. He reiterated his administration’s efforts to transform the state through deliberate investments in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare.
“In the past six years, we have rehabilitated and constructed several world-class sports facilities—an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an indoor sports hall, squash courts, and a dedicated table tennis arena. Some of these facilities are unique not only in Nigeria but also across Africa,” he said.
Highlighting the broader vision, the Governor noted that the improved sports infrastructure and support systems are designed to position Kwara as Nigeria’s leading hub for talent development and sports excellence.
“We’ve also focused on the welfare of athletes and officials. The clearance of the ₦201 million owed to Kwara United coaches and players is a testament to our commitment to ensuring athletes are treated with dignity and respect,” he added.
The event was graced by top dignitaries including Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Magaji; Director of Sports, Ibrahim Bako; Ilorin West Local Government Football Council Chairman, Owolabi Agbaji Wopa; Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ismail Ayodeji; and Olympian and former Commissioner for Sports, Hameed Adio.
Speaking at the event, Coach Magaji credited the Governor’s unwavering support as the foundation for the athletes’ success.
“Your belief in us has led to the renovation and construction of key sports facilities. In the past, many of our athletes were idle, but now, hardly a month goes by without a team representing Kwara, either within or outside Nigeria,” he said.
Adio praised the Governor’s dual investment in education and sports, noting that the combination creates well-rounded individuals capable of excelling in life.
Ayodeji also commended the Governor’s impact on sports, especially Kwara United’s recent successes. He urged that the team be allowed to host their CAF Confederation Cup matches at the Ilorin Stadium to boost morale and stimulate the local economy.
