The Oyo State government has assured that medalists at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, otherwise dubbed Gateways Games 2024 in Ogun State, will be adequately rewarded for their performances.

This clarification comes in response to allegations from various quarters suggesting that the state government’s instant cash rewards for medalists fell short of the actual rewards peomised medalists at the festival.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mrs Wasilat Adegoke, in a statement released on Wednesday, emphasised that the instant cash rewards were designed to motivate athletes who have won medals during the festival.

“The instant cash reward also aims to challenge those who are yet to compete in their respective sporting events,” she stated.

Adegoke further explained that the immediate rewards differ from the more substantial recognitions that Governor Seyi Makinde will officially announce for medalists, athletes, and officials at the conclusion of these biennial sporting events.

“This is how we operate. We are the pacesetter state. We are different, unique, and strategic.

“Our governor has previously rewarded athletes in earlier editions of the NSF. In addition to the festival, he also acknowledged Oyo athletes at the last Commonwealth Games.”

The instant cash rewards include N20,000 for gold medalists, N10,000 for silver medalists, and N5,000 for bronze medalists, primarily intended to motivate, encourage, and challenge athletes during the events. “This is our approach.”

Furthermore, Adegoke confirmed that all registered athletes in Abeokuta have received their allowances, with many excelling on the medals table.

“Our governor will continue to support and motivate athletes in the state. I can assure you that our athletes will be hosted, celebrated, and rewarded generously by the governor.

“People should review our records; we have done this before, and we will strive to do even better,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyo State finished fourth at the NSF 2022 in Edo State, securing 50 gold medals, 51 silver, and 62 bronze.

Medalists were received by the governor, with gold medalists awarded N1 million, silver medalists receiving N500,000, bronze medalists collecting N350,000, while non-medalists were given N250,000 each.