Ekiti State Government Rewards Medalists, Honour National Team Athletes
The Ekiti State Government has rewarded athletes who won medals for the state at the 2024 National Sports Festival, Gateway Games held in 2025, and the 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba, reaffirming its commitment to sports development and athlete welfare.
At the reception, gold medalists received ₦500,000 each, silver medalists ₦300,000, and bronze medalists ₦200,000. Coaches and sports organizers received cash gifts. Athletes who earned national call-ups and represented Nigeria at various competitions during the year were also formally recognized.
At the National Sports Festival, Ekiti athletes won a total of 18 medals, comprising two gold, three silver and thirteen bronze medals. At the National Youth Games in Asaba, the state recorded twelve medals, including three gold, four silver and five bronze. Overall, Ekiti returned from both competitions with a combined total of thirty medals — five gold, seven silver and eighteen bronze.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abibat Adubiaro, presented the cash rewards to the athletes. She praised them for representing Ekiti State with discipline and dignity, describing their conduct and performances as a reflection of strong character and commitment to excellence.
Dr. Adubiaro said the achievements recorded by the athletes underscore the state government’s deliberate investment in sports as a platform for youth development and talent growth.
In her remarks, the Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, highlighted the steady progress recorded in the sports sector over the year. She attributed the success to sustained government support, including the renovation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, implementation of structured sports programmes, development of an indoor sports hall, and improved welfare packages for athletes and officials.
Dr. Osetoba disclosed that two female handball players from Ekiti were part of the Nigerian team that qualified for the Handball World Cup, while two young footballers from the state represented Nigeria at an international tournament in Burkina Faso. She also noted that an Ekiti-based tennis player won a bronze medal at an international competition in Angola.
She added that Ekiti’s hockey and handball teams actively participated in their respective national premiership leagues during the year, further strengthening the state’s presence on the national sports scene.
Dr. Osetoba expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for prioritizing sports development, noting that the consistent support has translated into improved performances, wider exposure, and increased national and international representation for Ekiti athletes.
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