As a way of encouraging its athletes to do well at the on-going 18th National Sports Festival “Eko2012” the Ogun state government has announced instant cash reward for its athletes that win medals at the festival.

A statement from the Press officer to the Ogun State Governor, Rotimi Oduniyi said Governor Amosun has promised that any athlete that wins a gold medal will receive N40, 000, N30,000 for silver medalist and N20, 000 for bronze medalist. This is not part of what they will get at the end of the festival.

"This is different from what the athletes stand to get at the state reception after the games," Oduniyi said.

He also disclosed that the governor has promised to surprise Team Ogun if they can achieve a top four finish at the end of the festival. "He has said he would surprise them if they finish between 3rd and 4th place at the end of the festival," he said.