Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has honored athletes who represented the state at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State with cash rewards.
Each gold medalist was awarded ₦1,000,000, while silver and bronze medalists received ₦500,000 and ₦300,000 respectively. Winners in team events and officials who contributed to the medal haul were also recognized and rewarded.
The state contingent, led by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, was received by the Governor at the Government House.
Diri commended the athletes for their outstanding performance, although he expressed dissatisfaction with the third-place ranking announced by the festival organizers, suggesting it did not reflect the true achievements of Team Bayelsa.
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He urged the athletes to commence early preparations for the next edition of the festival, set to take place in Enugu State, promising the government’s continued support.
Diri also revealed that Bayelsa has commenced the bidding process to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, underscoring the state’s growing commitment to sports development.
He further directed relevant ministries and agencies to fast-track the completion of the ultra-modern stadium in Igbogene to support future sporting events.
