PANASA President, Adegbesan hails Governor Abiodun as Ogun splashes N450m on NSF heroes

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

  

It was celebration, fulfilment an a princely reward for hard work in Abeokuta as Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, delivered on his promise with over N450 million in cash rewards to medalists at the 22nd National Sports Festival.

At the colourful ceremony inside the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, athletes who flew the Gateway State flag high were handsomely rewarded with N2.5m for each of the 93 gold medalists, N1.5m for 61 silver winners and N1m for 81 bronze medalists. 

Coaches pocketed N10m collectively, while administrative staff shared N14.8m.

Ogun finished second overall with a staggering 239 medals:

• 93 gold

• 65 silver

• 81 bronze 

This underlines what many now describe as a sporting renaissance in the state.

But beyond the glittering numbers, one voice rang loud in appreciation and it's that of Adekoyejo Adegbesan, Chairman of the Ogun State Scrabble Association.

“We want to thank His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun for this laudable gesture,” Adegbesan declared.

The Scrabble chief, who also doubles as President of the Pan African Scrabble Association, described 2025 as a defining year for the mind sport in Ogun.

Gateway Scrabble Club of Ijebu-Ode dominated the NSF Inter-Club Championship, while Team Ogun also emerged State champions which is a clean sweep that stamped their authority nationally.

Heavyweights like Oluwatimilehin Doko, Abdulmumin Jimoh, Bukunmi Afolayan and Adebisi Adekansi powered the charge, reinforcing Ogun’s status as Nigeria’s scrabble powerhouse.

“As an Association, Ogun State Scrabble will keep putting the right hands and the right shift to stay at the top of the leaderboard in 2026 and beyond,” Adegbesan vowed.

Ogun State topped the Scrabble medal table at the end of the National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games 2024 with:

4 gold 

3 silver 

1 bronze

And this feat fetched the team the sum of N15.5 million naira cash which Adegbesan acknowledged that all the players have received.

Represented by Head of Service Kehinde Onasanya, Governor Abiodun stressed that the rewards were about honouring excellence and keeping promises. 

He revealed that training allowances, participation fees and instant medal bonuses had all been fully paid, a move that sets a new benchmark in the history of the National Sports Festival.

Sports Commissioner Wasiu Isiaka added that Ogun’s investment in facilities and manpower is already yielding dividends, with the state hosting top-tier continental and national competitions in recent months.

From scrabble boards to stadium tracks, Team Ogun didn’t just host, they competed with distinction and now, they have the cheques to prove it.