News
Months After, Gov Abiodun Approves Over ₦450m Cash Rewards for Team Ogun Medalists, Coaches
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Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has approved cash rewards totalling over ₦450 million for athletes and officials of Team Ogun following the state’s outstanding performance at the just-concluded National Sports Festival.
The governor announced this on Monday during the cash award ceremony held in honour of medalists, noting that Ogun State finished second overall with 239 medals, its best performance in the history of the festival.
Abiodun described the achievement as a testament to the steady growth of sports development in the state, stressing that his administration remains committed to recognising excellence.
He disclosed that all training allowances, participation allowances and contractual fees owed athletes and officials had been fully settled.
According to him, immediate cash rewards earlier promised during his visit to the athletes’ camp were promptly fulfilled, including ₦50,000 paid to every qualified athlete and instant bonuses for medal winners before the festival’s closing ceremony.
The governor announced a historic reward package for medalists, including₦2.5 million each for 93 gold medalists; ₦1.5 million each for 61 silver medalists, and ₦1 million each for 81 bronze medalists.
He added that additional provisions were approved for athletes in team sports to acknowledge their collective contributions.
Abiodun said the gesture was aimed at motivating athletes and encouraging young people across Ogun State to embrace sports as a viable career path.
The governor also approved special financial support for technical officials, announcing ₦10 million for coaches through the Director of Coaching and ₦14.8 million for participating officials via the Director of Administration and Supply.
He commended their discipline, mentorship and professionalism, describing them as key drivers of Team Ogun’s success.
Abiodun highlighted the transformation of the sports sector in Ogun State, citing increased hosting of international competitions, improved sporting infrastructure, and greater utilisation of facilities by national teams and leagues.
He expressed appreciation to sports administrators, private sector partners and other stakeholders for supporting the growth of sports in the state.
Looking ahead to the next National Sports Festival in Enugu, the governor urged athletes to remain focused and encouraged aspiring talents to participate in open trials and development programmes.
He congratulated Team Ogun for making the state proud and reaffirmed his administration’s continued investment in sports development.
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The National Assembly has resolved to meet President Bola Tinubu over what it described as inadequate funding of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and its media agencies, following concerns raised over the ministry’s 2025 budget performance.
The decision was taken on Tuesday by the joint committee on Information and National Orientation after a presentation by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on the ministry’s 2025 budget implementation.
In his report, the minister disclosed that out of the N2.49 billion capital allocation for 2025, only N205 million had been released, adding that even the amount released had not been fully cash-backed.
Apparently displeased with the development, the joint committee went into a closed-door session which lasted about an hour and resolved to make a special appeal to the President through the leadership of the National Assembly for improved funding in the 2026 fiscal year.
The agencies under the ministry include the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and Voice of Nigeria (VON).
Addressing journalists after the executive session, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, Hon. Olushola Fatoba, said a review of the 2026 budget proposal revealed that allocations for personnel and overhead costs remained the same as in 2025, while about 70 per cent of the capital component was merely a rollover from the previous year.
“At the executive session, when we went through the 2026 budget proposal for the ministry and its agencies, we discovered that the sums earmarked for personnel and overhead costs in 2025 were the same proposed for 2026, while about 70 per cent of the capital component was a rollover from 2025,” he said.
“As a joint committee, we unanimously agreed that the budget cannot be sufficient to effectively run the ministry and its agencies. We have resolved to meet the leadership of the National Assembly on the meagre budgetary proposal and plan to reach out to Mr President to ensure that urgent steps are taken to improve funding in 2026, which is a very critical year.”
Earlier, the minister told the committee that since assuming office in 2023, the ministry had focused on rebuilding public trust between Nigerians and public office holders.
“When we started in 2023, there was a breakdown of trust between Nigerians and public officials, whether elected or appointed. Our duty was to restore that trust through honest and transparent public communication,” Idris said.
He added that the ministry had made significant progress in ensuring that government communication is truthful and in the best interest of Nigerians, but stressed that adequate funding remained essential for the ministry and its agencies to effectively enlighten citizens on government policies and programmes
Source: Leadership
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Abakaliki- Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has commended the World Bank for undertaking projects that have a direct impact on the lives of the people.
He assured the World Bank Team of sustaining its Impact healthcare programme in the state.
This was contained in the Press Statement signed by Dr Monday Uzor, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, noting that the assurance was made by the Governor on Monday in his office in Ain Bakaliki when the World Bank Mission Assessment of Impact Projects paid him a courtesy visit.
“This is the first time the World Bank is doing a project we are celebrating not only benefiting”, Governor Nwifuru observed.
He told the delegation led by Onoriode Ezire that Ebonyi under his watch prioritises programmes that align with the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda.
“If we see this type of project again from the World Bank, we will join. The IMPACT of this project is being seen.
“It is in line with what our people want”.
Through his bold reforms in the healthcare service delivery, Governor Nwifuru stated that Ebonyi “is among the states with functional health facilities” noting “We have built staff quarters, undertaken landscaping and built a conducive environment for the people.
“Our MRI machines, CT Scan and others are fully functional”.
He emphasised his willingness to sustain the project to ensure its aims are not defeated.
“We are not only going to complement your efforts, but we are also going to exceed your expectations” The Governor assured
“We have seen the benefit, we have seen the need for the project and we will sustain it”.
Earlier, the Team lead commended the Governor’s mileages in the healthcare service delivery.
“We want to extend our appreciation to you.
“Ebonyi State is like a home to me. We are happy we are visiting this state.
“We thank you for delivering the C-T Scan, MRI machines, recruiting 328 workers and ensuring the healthcare system is moving smoothly”.
Ezire: “We are here to see how this programme can be sustained as it will be signed off on this year.
“And also how do we tell the story of the success of the Impact Programme”?
“We are happy you are insisting on excellence” in medical services to the people.
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…As Balogun hails Abiodun’s magnamity in project delivery, appealed for more work in the South
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday commissioned the Lantoro–Oke-Yidi–Isale Ake Junction Road in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening connectivity and accelerating economic activity across Ogun Central Senatorial District.
The governor said the latest project brings the number of completed roads in Ogun Central to 29 over the past six years, with an additional 10 roads currently under construction and scheduled for commissioning in the coming weeks, raising the total to 39.
He also announced the immediate commencement of reconstruction works on the Carwash–Moore Junction Road in Abeokuta South, describing the state capital as a strategic administrative and political hub deserving sustained infrastructure investment.
Abiodun explained that project selection across the district followed a participatory governance model that brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations and other community stakeholders.
“In the last six years in Ogun Central, we have constructed 29 roads. They were selected through our participatory and inclusive governance approach. Our kabiyesi, including the Alake of Egbaland, Muslim faithful, Christian clergy, market men and women, among others, all sat together to determine which roads were most critical and should be prioritised,” he said.
The governor added that his administration remains focused on delivery despite what he described as sponsored propaganda by critics, noting that several projects would be commissioned between now and July.
Describing the Lantoro–Oke-Yidi–Isale Ake Road as a vital artery within Abeokuta, Abiodun said it provides access to key institutions such as Sacred Heart Hospital, the School of Nursing and the Muslim praying ground, while also serving as an alternative route linking major parts of the city.
He said the project underscores the administration’s resolve to ensure equitable distribution of infrastructure and deliver lasting legacies through disciplined and focused governance.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, said the road fulfilled campaign promises to residents and would ease transportation challenges while stimulating commercial activities along the corridor.
In his remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, recalled personal ties to the area, noting that his school farm was once located along the axis. He highlighted the road’s importance in linking medical institutions and functioning as a bypass within the capital.
Also speaking, the member representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Afolabi Afuape, commended the governor for what he described as fairness in the distribution of projects across the state.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government Hon. Balogun Olaniyi Afeez BOA commend Gov for his magnanimity, adding that he remain the most committed Governor despite criticism.
Balogun appeal for interventions on Saje , Mokola roads, noting that the reward for good work is more work.
Rasak Adebayo Solebo, speaking for transport unions, noted that the rehabilitation would cut vehicle maintenance costs and improve commuting conditions for operators and passengers.
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