Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has rewarded 44 medal-winning athletes who represented the state at the 2026 Niger Delta Games in Benin City, Edo State, with cash incentives exceeding ₦50 million.

The rewards were presented on Tuesday at the conference room of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, in recognition of the athletes’ performances at the regional sporting competition.

The Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, disclosed during the ceremony that the governor approved the incentives for the medalists, their coaches and other officials in appreciation of their contributions to the state’s performance at the Games.

Bassey attributed the athletes’ improved outing to the state government’s investment in sports development, particularly the provision of standard equipment for training.

He recalled that Akwa Ibom’s performance at the inaugural edition of the Niger Delta Games, hosted in Uyo, fell below expectations, but said the subsequent release of funds for sports equipment had helped improve the athletes’ preparedness and performance.

“After we hosted the first edition of the Niger Delta Games here in Uyo, we didn’t do as well as expected. However, following the approval and release of funds by His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, PhD, for the Ministry of Sports to purchase sports equipment, our athletes began using standard equipment for training, and the gains are evident for everyone to see,” he said.

The commissioner explained that following the team’s performance in Benin City, the governor directed that athletes who won medals should receive cash incentives, adding that the payments had been made directly into their bank accounts.

“Following our impressive outing at the Games in Benin City, Edo State, where we performed very well, the governor directed that all the athletes who won medals for the state should be rewarded with cash incentives. Today, he has fulfilled that promise, and I can say that all the winners have already received their rewards, paid directly into their bank accounts,” Bassey said.

He added that the governor had extended the gesture beyond medal winners to include coaches and other members of the state contingent, including athletes who did not win medals.

According to him, the initiative represents a significant step towards institutionalising a reward system that recognises sporting achievement and encourages athletes to pursue excellence.

“Our sports-loving governor has been magnanimous enough to reward and encourage all the athletes, coaches and the entire team that represented the state at the Games in Edo. This is the first time in the sporting history of this state that the entire team, both winners and those who didn’t win, have been celebrated with incentives,” he said.

Bassey also recalled that three Akwa Ibom athletes who won medals for Nigeria at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Scotland had received automatic employment into the state civil service as part of the government’s recognition of sporting excellence.

He urged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, committed and dedicated to their respective sporting careers, assuring them of continued government support as they prepare for national and international competitions.

“The state has given you a platform to future glory; don’t take it for granted. Have faith in this ministry, have faith in this state, and be committed, dedicated and disciplined in your chosen careers. I can assure you that even the sky will not be your limit,” he said.

Under the reward structure, gold medalists received ₦500,000 each, silver medalists ₦250,000 each, while bronze medalists received ₦150,000 each.

Among the top beneficiaries was Samuel Sampson, who won three gold medals in weightlifting and received ₦1.5 million.

Etoro Bassey, who won one gold and one silver medal in tennis, received ₦750,000, while Hephzibah Okon, who won gold in the 800 metres and silver in the 1,500 metres, also received ₦750,000.

Wisdom Paul equally received ₦750,000 after winning gold medals in the individual and mixed tennis events.

Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Beulah Bassey, a bronze medalist in scrabble, expressed appreciation to the governor for recognising their performances and rewarding their efforts.

She also commended the Ministry of Sports for its coordination, guidance and support throughout their preparations, assuring the state government that the athletes would remain committed to improving their performances and securing greater achievements for Akwa Ibom at future competitions.