The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has rewarded Team Nigeria athletes who have so far won medals at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with the sum of $25,000.
This was done at a convivial ceremony which took place at the Hilton Garden in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
There, the athletes and their coaches were rewarded for bringing glory to the country.
According to a report issued by a Media aide to the Minister, Toyin Ibitoye, Gold medal winners: Adijat Adenike Olarinoye and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, received $5,000 each, while their coaches got $3,000 each.
Lawal won gold in the women’s 59kg weightlifting event, while Olarinoye won gold in the women’s 55kg weightlifting event.
Taiwo Laidi, a silver medalist in the women’s 76kg Weightlifting event, received $3,000 for her effort.
For bronze medal winners: Edidiong Joseph Umaofia, Islamiyat Yusuf and Mary Osijo, they all got $2,000 each for their effort.
The event had in attendance the Chief of Staff to the Minster of Youth and Sports Development, Abba Yola; Director of Finance in the ministry, Olufehinti Olusegun; and Dr Simon Ebhojiaye, who is the leader of delegation for Team Nigeria to the games.
After she received her cash reward, Lawal said: “I am pleased we got rewarded even before the end of the competition.
“I thank the Honourable Minister for Sports, Sunday Dare, for his proactiveness in this regard.
“It is quite timely for us as this act will encourage and spur all athletes to do more.
“For me, I want to thank the Minster for this and I’m very excited.”
Dare reiterated the fact that athletes’ welfare remains a top priority for his administration.