Governor Umo Eno Awards N50 Million to Akwa Ibom Athletes

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom presented cash rewards to 44 athletes who excelled at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games held in Benin City. The event took place on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, announced that over N50 million was approved by the governor as incentives for medal-winning athletes, coaches, and officials, marking a significant improvement in the state's performance. The governor mandated that all medal winners be rewarded, with payments made directly into their accounts.

For the first time, incentives were also extended to non-medal winners, coaches, and officials. Gold medalists received N500,000 each, silver medalists N250,000, and bronze medalists N150,000.

Notable beneficiaries included weightlifter Samuel Sampson, who earned three gold medals and received N1.5 million, while tennis players Etoro Bassey and Wisdom Paul, along with athlete Hephzibah Okon, received N750,000 each. Bronze medalist Beulah Bassey expressed gratitude on behalf of the athletes.