NYG: Sanwo-Olu splashes cash on Lagos athletes, officials News

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rewarded the victorious Lagos contingent to the 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, where they topped the medal table for the first time in the history of the championships.

Team Lagos shone at the ninth National Youth Games in Asaba, last month, dethroning hosts Delta State by winning 110 medals comprising 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze medals.

At a reception held in honour of the athletes and coaches at the Lagos State House, Ikeja, on Friday, the Governor announced various cash rewards for medallists, non-medallists, coaches and the management of the Lagos State Sports Commission.

Each of the 41 single gold medallists from the games will get N500,000; those who won gold in a team of two will also get N500,000, while gold medallists in large team events will get N1m as a team.

For silver medallists, Sanwo-Olu also announced a reward of N300,000 for the 22 individual winners, just as winners in a team of two will also get N300,000, while silver medallists in team events will get N700,000.

The Governor also rewarded 19 individual bronze medallists with N250,000 each. Winners in doubles will also get N250,000 as a team, while those who won bronze in team events will get N500,000.

The management of the Lagos State Sports Commission also got the sum of N25m, while 61 coaches got N300,000 each, just as athletes who didn’t win medals got N100,000 each.

“I want to thank all of you. I want to say that the cash is to show a small measure of appreciation,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.

“What you require the most is the facilities and the environment, and all the sports equipment you need to excel. You have helped us write the name of Lagos State in gold. The Governor of Delta State called me and acknowledged that we have the best set of athletes in this country.

“You have to show good examples at all times. This government and these officials want to work with you to become national champions. We want to keep you, we want to nurture you so that you can go and compete internationally.”

Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, described the state reception as a representation of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s belief in the potential of the youths.

“On behalf of the sporting community, I express our gratitude for your consistent support and investment in sports infrastructure. This victory is the living evidence of your vision in action.”