South-East representative on the board of Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Chief Joseph Anayo Odobeatu has explained factors that inspired his decision to announce various cash rewards for the country’s swimmers who achieve remakable feats at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
Sports247 reports that Odebeatu, who is fondly called ‘Ojez,’ promised that any Nigerian swimmer who wins a gold medal will receive $2,000, while a silver medallists are to get $1,000 and bronze will earn $500; all of which he said are incentives aimed at motivating the country’s swimmers to excel.
While ruling out any ulterior motives, Odebeatu, who runs a construction company
along Oregun Road in Ojota era of Lagos as well as eateries scattered across various parts of the metropolis, including the National Stadium in Surulere, added that he feels duty bound to complement government efforts and supprt Team Nigeria.
He reckoned that the country’s swimmers and all the athletes in general need to be properly motivated in order to achieve a haul of medals for Nigeria and pull off a successful outing at the Games, which are scheduled to hold from July 23rd to August 2nd.
Odebeatu, who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to rewarding excellence in Nigeria’s aquatics sector as well as sports in general, including football, butressed that his latest gestures goes beyond financial rewards, noting that recognition and encouragement are vital in nurturing champions.
The businessman and philanthropist stressed, “Excellence deserves to be rewarded. Our swimmers deserve every encouragement as they prepare to represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games. This reward is my way of motivating them to aim for the podium and make the nation proud.
“This is not just about money. It is about inspiring our athletes to believe that their hard work and sacrifices are appreciated. Government cannot do it alone. The private sector must continue to partner with Nigeria Aquatics Federation and other sports bodies to create opportunities for our athletes to succeed.”
Sports247 recalles that Odebeatu earlier presented cash rewards to two of Nigeria’s medal-winning swimmers, Collins Ebingha and India Brown, in recognition of their outstanding performances and for bringing honour to the country at the recent 17th African Swimming Championships in Oran, Algeria.
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