Two years after, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike approved of plan to reward athletes who did the FCT proud during the 2022 National Sports Festival.
Contrary to their expectations, the previous FCT Administration did not reward the athletes for reason not known to this medium.
However, a two-year wait, the Wike-led administration graciously agreed to reward the athletes for their effort.
A statement issued Tuesday by the Director of FCT Sports Department, Mr Luka Istifanus, revealed that the minister, in his magnanimity, said rewarding athletes is what they deserve as they have worked hard to represent the FCT.
“FCT in 2022 hit a milestone like never before when they emerged 9th position which has never been done by the FCT team in the past National Sports Festivals.
“Athletes are elated to have a sports loving Minister like His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who rewards hard work and excellence.
“We have enjoyed good attention from the Minister since he assumed office, he understands that Sports is a key factor in the FCT and the country, he is always concerned about the welfare of the athletes, that is why he approved this reward for them to keep representing the FCT with a winning mentality,” the statement said.
He also highlighted that the FCT was preparing really well for the 2024 Gateway Games taking place in Ogun state in January 2025.
However, the award ceremony is scheduled for some time in December 2024.
On the other hand, the athletes also appealed to the ‘people’s minister’ to also extend the gesture accorded the senior elite athletes of the National Sports Festival, to the U-15 counterparts that represented the FCT at the National Youth Games in 2023 and 2024 as they came 7th and 9th on the table respectively.