Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has doled out cash prizes to the state’s Scrabblers for their medal-winning performances at the just-concluded African Games.

The scrabble team who converged at the State’s Sports Council, Ijeja, Abeokuta, along with athletes, coaches and officials from other disciplines, were rewarded by the governor.

Athletes who won Gold medals were awarded N500,000 each, Silver medallists were given N350,000 each, bronze winners got N250,000 each while coaches and other athletes who couldn’t make it to the podium received N150,000 each.

The ceremony which was part of Ogun State Mid-Year Sporting Activities Report, provided the opportunity for Abiodun to appreciate Team Ogun members who were part of Team Nigeria to the Accra 2023 Games held in March.

Adebisi Adekansi created history as she became the first Nigerian to win two gold medals at the Scrabble event which was one of the demonstration sports at the ‘African Olympics.’

She won the top medal in the Women’s Single event and she would again, team up with Joy Ola another Team Ogun player to provide the push that ensured Nigeria claimed gold in the women’s Team Event.

Both gold medallists along with Jimoh Abdumumin and head coach Bukunmi Afolayan were appreciated with the rewards.

Commissioner of Sports Isiaka Wasiu, who represented the governor said the State was proud of Team Ogun for contributing to the success of Team Nigeria.

“To our own Ogun Athletes who made the list of TEAM Nigeria at the 13th African Games in Accra Ghana, your dedication and perseverance have paid off, and your names will go down in history as champions. You have proven that, with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Your achievements will continue to inspire a new generation of athletes, and your legacy will live on for years to come.

“For being so outstanding to have been picked from Team Ogun to represent our country, our sports loving governor, in his continuous effort to reposition sports in Ogun state has graciously approved a reward of N500,000.00 to all the gold medalist, N300,000.00 for silver medalist, N250,000.00 for bronze medalist while N150,000.00 goes to those that did not win and the coaches.

“You will recall that this gesture has become a norm with Prince Dapo Abiodun’s government as financial rewards were extended to medalists from the 2022 National Sport festival held in Asaba, Delta State.”

A total of 11 athletes from the state contributed to Team Nigeria’s 121 medal haul at the Games.