Gold medalist at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will be rewarded with $7, 000 each, the Federal Government has said.
Disclosing this to athletes and officials was the minister of sports, Tammy Danagogo, also said silver medalist will get $4,000, while bronze medalist will go home with $3,000, adding that the gesture was aimed at motivating the athletes.
“This financial reward is designed to motivate all of you to win more medals for Nigeria. We are proud of the medal we have won at the weigthlifting category and we are expecting more from all of you. Let me assure you that the government is ready to do more for all of you if you win more medals for the country” Dr. Danagogo said.
In addition to the $7,000 for Miss Chika Ahamala, the first gold medalist for Nigeria, in the women’s weight lifting category, Dr. Danagogo announced additional $1,000 for her breaking the Commonwealth Games record in the weightlifting category.
While reassuring the athletes of the Federal Government’s commitment towards their welfare and successes at the event, the minister said the over 170 million Nigerians were looking up to the athletes to do the country proud.
“I can tell you that President Goodluck Jonathan has done everything possible for all of you to succeed in this tournament. The expectations of Mr. President and the rest of Nigerians is that you all win medals for us. We are proud of you and will give you all the necessary supports that you need to succeed,” he assured.
Those present at the meeting were the director-general, National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr. Gbenga Elegbeleye, director of sports Medicine, Dr. Adukadri Mohammed, director of finance and accounts (DFA), Ministry of Sports and president of the Nigeria Olympics Committee, (NOC), Sani Ndanusa, among others.
