At a brief but very elaborate dinner attended by the high and mighty in politics, academics, culture, sports, social and other works of life, the Governor of Edo state on Friday night surprised the Athletes that represented the state at the just concluded National Sports Festival with cash gifts amounting to millions of naira.
The well publicised event, held at the Tennis court of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium under strict covid compliance measures, presented an opportunity for the Edo state Deputy Governor to formally present a report card of the state’s performance at the games to the number one man and Rt Hon Philip Shaibu in his usual manner didn’t fail to dazzle as he stylishly reminded all present that Edo state finished in 3rd position at the games held in 2018 in Abuja and finishing in 2nd position here in Edo could only mean one thing; “Edo will end up winning the next NSF billed for Asaba in Delta state” the deputy promised.
The night was capped with the introduction of Governor Godwin Obaseki to the podium and the self styled administrator, nicknamed the “wake and see” danced his way up to the admiration of all amidst high expectations by the athletes for whom the dinner had been organised.
Tonight is not a time for long speeches. We are here to say thank you to the athletes who did us proud at the games. We are appreciative of your efforts and we have a token to show our appreciation. Even to those who did not win anything, especially the para athletes, I have something special for you all”, the governor announced.
“A cash reward of N250,000 for each gold medalist, N150,000 for silver medalists and N100, 000 for bronze medalists” was the final statement from Mr Obaseki before he concluded by urging the athletes to go do the state proud at the next edition of the games, billed for Asaba, Delta state in 2022.
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