Rivers State athletes heading to the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2024,” have been promised substantial cash incentives for outstanding performances, in a move aimed at boosting morale and encouraging record-breaking feats.
The state’s Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, announced that athletes will receive ₦2 million for each gold medal, ₦1 million for silver, and ₦500,000 for bronze medals earned at the festival, which runs from May 16 to 30 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The announcement was made during a pre-departure rally held at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt and at the University of Port Harcourt training camp on Thursday.
Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika, Ibas described the reward scheme as the most generous in the country and a testament to the state’s commitment to sporting excellence.
“You’ve trained hard; now it’s time to shine,” Worika told the athletes. “This is an investment in your success and in the pride and future of Rivers State.”
The initiative is expected to motivate athletes to set new records and elevate the state’s standing at the national competition.
