The Chairman of the House Committee on Sports in Osun State, Hon. Hon. Engr. Abiola Jeremiah Awoyeye , has charged athletes representing the state at the 2025 National Sports Festival in Ogun State to “go and bring us gold.” Hon. Awoyeye, who delivered the message on behalf of the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, addressed the state’s contingents at the Osogbo Township Stadium prior to their departure for the event.
In his address, Hon. Awoyeye urged the athletes to be good ambassadors of the state and shun all forms of indiscipline during the competition. “You are not just athletes, you are representatives of Osun State. Go, give your best, and bring us gold,” he charged.
Responding to the call, Islamia Yusuf, a weightlifting champion and one of the leading athletes in the team, expressed appreciation to the chairman and the Osun State government. She also extended gratitude to the Deputy Governor Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, who doubles as the Commissioner for Sports in the state, for the continuous support to athletes. Yusuf used the opportunity to advocate for instant rewards for athletes who win medals at the festival.
Captain of the Osun State Taekwondo team, Adeniyi Abdullahi, echoed Yusuf’s sentiments, thanking the government for its efforts in developing sports in the state. He appealed for increased financial support to boost athlete morale and overall performance at the national event.
In a closing remark, the General Manager of the Osun State Sports Council, Mr. Rotimi Dumoye, thanked the state government for its unwavering commitment to sports development. He also announced an exciting incentive: the monetary reward for gold medalists has now been increased from ₦500,000 to ₦1 million.
Also present at the stadium during the send-off ceremony were Mr. Layi Adesiyan, Director of Sports at the Ministry of Sports; Mr. Kehinde Johnson , SSA to the Governor on Football Matters; senior staff of the Osun State Sports Council; coaches, and athletes.
Over 100 athletes have now departed Osogbo for Ogun State, where the National Sports Festival , tagged Gateway Games, is set to take place. The athletes will compete in various disciplines as they aim to bring glory and gold to Osun State.
