The Kwara State Government has splashed the whooping sum of N8.5m and award of excellence on its Athletes who have done the state proud in 2022.
The Executive Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Magaji commended the athletes for their patience, despite poaching intimidation from other states.
He said; “the present administration is determined to improve the welfare of its sportsmen and women.”
Mallam Magaji, who expressed confidence in the ability of Governor AbdulRazaq to transform the sports sector, said that honouring the state’s athletes was a dream come true.
In his goodwill message, the Board Chairman of the Kwara State Television Service, Hameed Adio, described Governor AbdulRazaq as one with few words and many actions.
He stressed that the cash reward to the state athletes was an indication that the present administration was committed to sports development in all ramifications.
Adio encouraged parents and guidance to support their children and wards to take sports as a career, to guarantee its growth from the grassroots.
Also speaking, a CAF Instructor and former Registrar of the University of Ilorin, Emmanuel Obafemi applauded Governor AbdulRazaq for celebrating the state’s athletes with a cash reward, noting that the recognition would spur them to positively deliver in the many championships to come.
A veteran handball player, Mr. Jide Ojomu said the government of Governor AbdulRazaq has changed the narratives with his approach to sports development, urging the athletes to reciprocate the gesture in the coming years by winning more laurels for the state.
A Board member representing Para Athlete in the Commission, AbdulKadir Abolore said the Governor has demonstrated genuine love and passion for Para Athletes, with his end-of-the-year recognition and award.
He added that the honour would bring out the best in them in future competitions.
Each Para Athlete went home with the sum of Two Hundred Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand and One Hundred Thousand Naira respectfully, while Offa Volleyball Club got One Million Naira while Offa Football Club received Five Hundred Thousand Naira. The Amputee Soccer team got Five Hundred Thousand Naira and Wheelchair Basketball collected Three Hundred Thousand Naira as appreciation for their milestones in the year 2022.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
