Akwa Ibom State has honoured athletes who achieved success at the recent State Sports Festival and the 2024 National Youth Games, presenting them with substantial cash prizes. The awards ceremony, held in Uyo, marked the official distribution of cheques to medal winners and also recognized the top-performing local government areas. This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to fostering athletic talent and acknowledging dedication.

Former Green Eagles captain, Chief Segun Odegbami, served as the distinguished guest speaker, delivering a pivotal message to the assembled athletes. He strongly advised them to look beyond immediate accolades, such as trophies and medals, and to proactively plan for their futures beyond their active sporting careers. Odegbami emphasized the critical importance of balancing athletic pursuits with education and strategic life planning.

Odegbami shared his personal experience, highlighting how his decision to complete his education proved instrumental in opening doors to numerous life-changing opportunities. Despite a ten-year career in active sports, his educational foundation allowed him to achieve national and international recognition, becoming a sports ambassador for various brands and institutions. This, he explained, was a result of understanding the broader business of sports, not just participation.

The former captain issued a stern warning against over-reliance on sporting achievements alone, stating that trophies and medals are ephemeral. He stressed that the period after an athlete’s career is significantly longer and can be fraught with difficulties if not adequately prepared for. “My simple message to all athletes is to look beyond trophies and medals. Those diadems are only for a moment, but life after sports is long. If you don’t plan and invest, life after sports could be very difficult,” Odegbami stated.

Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for upholding his promise to reward the athletes and for his unwavering support for sports development within the state. “Your Excellency, these are clear testimonies to your passion for sports development in Akwa Ibom State. Through the ARISE Agenda, you have provided opportunities for our youth, revived grassroots sports, and created pathways to self-realisation, empowerment, unity and sustainable development,” Bassey remarked.

Bassey congratulated the athletes on their commendable performances at both the State Sports Festival and the National Youth Games. He urged them to continue serving as exemplary ambassadors for Akwa Ibom State, carrying the values and spirit of their achievements forward. The ceremony culminated in the presentation of cheques, with Itu Local Government Area securing the top prize of ₦15 million as the overall winner of the state sports festival.

Uyo Local Government Area was awarded ₦10 million for their strong performance, while Nsit Atai Local Government Area received ₦5 million. In a gesture of appreciation for their dedicated efforts during the festival, sports supervisors from all 31 local government areas were also recognized with individual cheques of ₦200,000. This comprehensive reward system aims to motivate both athletes and their support systems.

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Keywords: Akwa Ibom sports rewards, National Youth Games athletes, sports festival cash prizes, Segun Odegbami advice, youth sports development, grassroots sports Nigeria, athletes post-career planning, Akwa Ibom ARISE Agenda