Akwa Ibom Rewards Sports Festival, National Youth Games Athletes
Athletes who excelled at the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival and the 2024 National Youth Games were rewarded with cash prizes at an awards ceremony held in Uyo.
The event marked the official presentation of cheques to medal winners and top-performing local government areas. Former Green Eagles captain, Chief Segun Odegbami, was the guest speaker at the ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Odegbami urged athletes to think beyond trophies and medals and prepare for life after active sports. He stressed the need to combine sports with education and proper planning.
“Look at me today. I was involved in active sports for only ten years. I didn’t win many medals, but because I chose to complete my education, that single decision opened many life-changing opportunities for me,” Odegbami said.
He added, “I have been recognised and honoured nationally and internationally. I have been named a sports ambassador to many brands and institutions. I didn’t just play football; I pushed myself to understand the business of sports.”
Odegbami warned athletes not to rely only on medals, saying: “My simple message to all athletes is to look beyond trophies and medals. Those diadems are only for a moment, but life after sports is long. If you don’t plan and invest, life after sports could be very difficult.”
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, thanked Governor Umo Eno for fulfilling his promise to reward the athletes and for his strong support for sports development in the state.
“Your Excellency, these are clear testimonies to your passion for sports development in Akwa Ibom State. Through the ARISE Agenda, you have provided opportunities for our youth, revived grassroots sports, and created pathways to self-realisation, empowerment, unity and sustainable development,” Bassey said.
He congratulated the athletes for their performances at the Sports Festival and the National Youth Games and urged them to remain good ambassadors of Akwa Ibom State.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of cheques to athletes who won medals at the two competitions. Itu Local Government Area emerged as the overall winner of the state sports festival and received ₦15 million. Uyo Local Government Area received ₦10 million, while Nsit Atai Local Government Area got ₦5 million.
Sports supervisors from the 31 local government areas were also rewarded with ₦200,000 each in recognition of their efforts during the festival.
