Akwa Ibom State has paid cash rewards to members of its delegation to the 2026 Niger Delta Games, where the team placed fourth in Benin City after winning 55 medals — 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze.
State Commissioner for Sports Elder Paul Bassey announced the package on behalf of Governor Umo Eno at a ceremony held yesterday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Each gold medal earned ₦500,000, while silver and bronze medallists received ₦250,000 and ₦150,000 respectively.
Bassey said Governor Eno sanctioned incentive payments exceeding ₦50 million for athletes, coaches, officials and other delegation members. He said the funds had already been transferred directly to the bank accounts of those entitled to receive them.
“After our strong performance at the Games in Benin City, Edo State, where we did remarkably well, the governor instructed that every athlete who won a medal for the state should receive a cash reward. He has now delivered on that commitment,” Bassey said.
Weightlifter Samuel Sampson collected ₦1.5 million after securing three gold medals. Tennis competitor Etoro Bassey and middle-distance athlete Hephzibah Okon were each paid ₦750,000 for winning one gold and one silver medal.
The commissioner said better training facilities and equipment had contributed to a stronger showing than Akwa Ibom produced at the inaugural Games, which were hosted by the state in Uyo.
He also highlighted the return of the state sports festival, the creation of the Ibom Gym and the installation of a new boxing ring among the government’s wider sports-development initiatives.
Bassey encouraged the competitors to maintain discipline and keep progressing in their sporting careers. He noted that weightlifters Edidiong Umoafia and Ruth Nyong, along with judoka Enku Ekuta, had been given automatic employment in the state civil service in recognition of their achievements.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, scrabble bronze medallist Beulah Bassey expressed gratitude to the governor and the sports ministry. She said the athletes were determined to deliver improved results for Akwa Ibom at upcoming events.
