Edo 2020 NSF: Lagos Planned Robust Welfare Package For Its Athletes, Says Aiyepeku

Executive Chairman Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku has disclosed that the welfare of the state’s athletes to this year’s National Sports Festival taking place in Edo State is paramount to the sports authority.

Speaking in his office at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere on Monday, Aiyepeku said that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has provided everything that will be needed for a successful outing at the Edo 2020, which takes place from 22 March – 2 April.

According to him, the Team Lagos should expect an increase in the instant bonuses given to athletes who win medals during the games.

In the last festival held in Abuja in 2018, gold medal winner was given the sum of N25, 000 with the silver and bronze medals winners pocketing the sum of N15,000 and N10,000 respectively.

Aiyepeku disclosed that the athletes should expect an increment in these instant bonuses as a way of boosting their morale of them to perform very well in Edo games

“On the allowance of the athletes during the Edo 2020, we have developed a payment pattern that we see us giving these athletes their money every three days. This is a three day payment cycle. The reason for this is that we don’t want anything to distract the athletes on the work at hand.

“The ongoing closed camp, which is the longest period Lagos State has ever camped its athletes for any major championship, has been running smoothly. The spirit is high in camp as the athletes are getting set for the sports festival. The Sports Commission has given the athletes what we promised them, even with additional days allowance. This is to show that we are committed to motivate and encourage them to succeed. The welfare of the athletes is very paramount to us and we will ensure that we do our best within the resources available.

“Mr. Governor also told them during the Torch of Unity presentation that they should be rest assured that they will be well taken care of. Even those athletes who did the state proud at the Abuja 2018 Games, the Governor said he would reward them.

“So I think we should all focus on the Games now and leave all those distraction behind us,” Aiyepeku said.

On the Governor’s directive that Team Lagos should win 100 gold medals in Edo, the Chairman said that this is achievable because all necessary things needed to make this happens have been provided by the government.

“We have received the mandate of 100 gold at Edo 2020. With the way we are preparing ourselves, we stand the chance of meeting up with this target. If we can win 100 gold, we are sure of ending the games within the Top 2,” Aiyepeku assured.