Jubilation Galore As Oyo State Governor Fulfills Cash Promise To NSF Medallists

Jubilation Galore As Oyo State Governor Fulfills Cash Promise To NSF Medallists

By Admin

It was another trail blazing event in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital as the Executive Governor of the state, Engineer Seyi Makinde through the Honourable Commissioner of Sports, Engineer Oluwaseun Fakorede fulfilled the promise of monetary reward to the athletes who won medals at the 2018 National Sports Festival held in Abuja.

It appears that an end has come to the era of hollow promises, particularly the athletes who don the colour of the Pace Setters state, and mounted the podium for medal presentation with the monetary reward presented to them as the Gold medalists went home with N350,000, Silver medalist got N200,000 while Bronze medal attracts N150,000

When the governor announced to effect the payment of outstanding allowances to the athletes, many people termed it as usual rumour, inuendo and and political rhetorics that have been the usual practice in the state due to the fact that the present administration was not on seat during the tournament on the promise of payment of outstanding allowances.
“It was no doubt that the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has once again created a history of fulfilling a hollow promises which has over the years blighted the sporting arena of the pace setters state” said Raji Kazeem Alade,a Silver Medalist in Scrabble.

Fielding questions from journalists, the Honourable Commissioner expressed happiness over the fulfillment of payment by His Excllency, Governor Seyi Makinde in spite of COVID 19 pandemic which has nearly crippled the global economy.

“I’m the happiest person today, in fact, I’m happier than those who received the cheque today considering what this money meant for these athletes. It’s not good for someone who worked and not get paid”

The Commissioner added that “We have all inclusive program where the youths both males and females would be engaged including people leaving with disability. He said the Para Sports supposed to have come up in April and School sports was originally designed for May but the present pandemic stalled the program. This Stadium also will witness renovation as the tartan track would be upgraded to the modern age”

Reacting to the issue of salaries of the two clubsides in the state, the University of Ife graduate said “Shooting Stars and Crown FC receive their salaries as at when due as welfare of our athletes remains a priority for our governor

Appreciating the Governor and the Honourable Commissioner,Coach Gabriel Kingsley who is a kick boxing said “We only went to Abuja with five athletes and we came back with 4 medals:one Gold, Silver, Bronze inclusive. I salute the magnanimity of our governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde for fulfilling the promise and the Lord will give him the divine wisdom to take the state to the next level”

Also, an athlete, Okiki Iyanu Oladele, female who won Silver also lauded the Governor's kindness and said she had close her mind on the reward but was surprised by what the Governor did.” I feel great because our thought was like that was the end but to the glory of God, we thank our governor, Engineer Oluwaseyi Makinde and our Honourable Commissioner, Engineer Oluwaseun Fakorede for remembering us at this trying period. This means that both of them value our efforts and our sweat was not in vain. We say thank you GSM, thank you Asiwaju Seun Fakorede

Earlier, in an address of welcome, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Pator Oyadeyi Oludele thanked the governor for his masses oriented policies and congratulated the athletes on the monetary reward from the amiable governor.

Credit: Sportsembassy.com