FCTA Honours Outstanding Athletes At Sports Awards Nite

By: Gyang Dakwo

It was a time of joy and fulfilment for FCT athletes as the Federal Capital Territory Administration in its determination to promote sports development rewarded them for doing the territory proud by winning medals at National competitions.

The athletes honoured were those who participated and won medals at the 21st National Sports Festival (Delta 2022) as well as the 7th and 8th editions of the National Youth Games in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

With the theme: Sports for All, the 13th FCT Sports award ceremony was held at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Area 10, Garki ,where cash awards were presented to the athletes according to categories.

Medallists from the National Sports Festival went home with; Six Hundred Thousand Naira for Gold, Four Hundred Thousand Naira for silver and Two hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira for Bronze. For the National Youth Games, medallists got Four Hundred Thousand Naira for Gold, Three Hundred Thousand Naira for silver and Two Hundred Thousand Naira for Bronze.

Athletes who participated and won medals in Team sports got the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Naira each.

In a keynote address at the occasion, the Mandate Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Ibrahim Aminu congratulated the FCT sports family for their efforts and stated the FCT Administration is committed to sports development at all levels.

“We salute your determination for making the FCT proud…thus it is only natural that we continue to commend and motivate you,” he said. “The FCT Administration in line with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to invest and reinvest in sports infrastructures and providing the enabling environment for our sportsmen and women to succeed in the Federal Capital Territory.”

He commended the Chairmen of the various FCT sports associations for their commitment and tireless efforts towards promoting youth development through sports.

To the athletes, the Mandate Secretary gave the charge for them to continue to strive for excellence by avoiding the use of performance enhancing substances and any act that will impact negatively on their integrity and sportsmanship.

Speaking earlier, Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Olubunmi Olowookere who stressed the premium which the FCT Administration places on sports development, appreciated the coaches and support staff for their “ingenuity and depth of leadership” which she said has resulted in the successes being celebrated.

She also called on the athletes to be focused in working towards achieving their dreams and aspirations.

Her words: “Today’s award ceremony again underscores the importance that the FCT Administration places in sports development in the territory. We therefore admonish the athletes to keep faith and progress, to continue to fly the FCT flag higher, knowing that every hard work comes with reward and appreciation.”

Olowookere also commended the parents and guardians of the young athletes for making their children and wards available to represent the FCT in both local and national competitions.

In a vote of thanks, Director FCT Sports Department, Luka Istifanus expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud and the leadership of the Social Development Secretariat for making the awards possible.

He also thanked the athletes, technical staff, sports associations, parents and all stakeholders for their constant support to the growth of sports in the territory.

Luka disclosed that preparations for the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged “Gateway Games” in Abeokuta has begun and expressed optimism that the FCT will put in a good performance at the games.

Perhaps one of the most significant features of the event apart from the award presentations was the visibly strong show of support from FCT sports association Chairmen who all came to witness the fruition of their efforts.

Speaking on their behalf, the Chairman FCT Badminton Association, Mohammed Usman Bappa commended the athletes for their “incredible performance, dedication and sportsmanship”.

He also gave kudos to the coaches, trainers as well as volunteers and all stakeholders who have supported FCT sports related activities in one way or the other.

The event was well attended by top officials of the FCT Administration, sports administrators as well as representatives of the armed forces and families of the award winning athletes among other well-wishers.