ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the disbursement of cash awards to athletes and officials of Team Delta in recognition of their outstanding performance at the 21st National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Asaba.
This decision underscores the governor’s steadfast commitment to fostering sports excellence and rewarding hard work. Team Delta reaffirmed its dominance in Nigerian sports by successfully defending its title and securing a record-breaking eighth championship win in the festival’s ten editions.
Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori, hailed the approval as a clear demonstration of the governor’s passion for sports development. “This reflects His Excellency’s dedication to recognizing and rewarding excellence. Our athletes and officials gave their best, and this reward will undoubtedly motivate them to aim even higher,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Director-General of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Festus Ohwojero, commended the move, noting its significance as the team prepares for the upcoming Gateway Games Ogun 2024. “This is a well-deserved reward for our athletes and officials. It will serve as a morale booster as we gear up for the next national games, ensuring Delta State remains a dominant force in national and international sports.”
Governor Oborevwori has consistently prioritized the welfare of athletes. Just two months before the 8th edition of the National Youth Games, he approved cash awards for the 7th edition, a gesture that played a crucial role in motivating athletes and securing Delta State’s first-place finish at the 8th National Youth Games.
Similarly, in December 2024, the governor ensured that cash awards for the 8th edition were paid during the festive season, allowing athletes and officials to celebrate Christmas and New Year with joy.
As part of the 21st National Sports Festival cash award, some athletes who won seven to eight individual gold medals will receive as much as N7 million to N8 million, further highlighting the governor’s commitment to sports development.
Team Delta made history at the 21st National Sports Festival by winning an unprecedented 576 medals, including 280 gold, 167 silver, and 129 bronze, solidifying its position as Nigeria’s leading sports powerhouse.
