Tokyo 2020 Olympics: FG Doles Cash On Oborodudu, Brume Over Successes

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Government has splashed cash on Blessing Oborodudu and Ese Brume for their Silver and Bronze medal winnings at the ongoing Olympic Games.

Olympic silver medalist, Oborududu and Bronze medalist, Brume have been mrewarded with their promised cash of $10,000 and $7500, respectively in a ceremony held at Grand Prince Hotel, Tokyo Japan on Tuesday.

A statement signed by John Joshua-Akanji, Special Adviser, Media, to the Honourable Minister, said “Blessing Oborududu and Ese Brume were presented their cash by the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare.”

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister said “There’s no point delaying the reinforcement of these athletes who have made the country proud, that is the reason they were rewarded immediately for their record breaking performance.”

In her reaction, Oborududu said “I am just super excited and I want to say thank you to all my supporters and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the encouragement”

Oborududu made history as the first Nigerian wrestler to win an Olympic medal courtesy of the silver medal she won in the women’s 68kg freestyle.

Brume’s medal is the first won in track and field since 2008 at the Beijing Olympics where Blessing Okagbare and the women’s 4x100m relay team won a silver medal each.

The Federal Government had earlier promised a reward of 15, 000 dollars, 10,000 dollars, 7,500 dollars for gold, silver and bronze medalists at the Tokyo Olympics.

Simon Ebohdjaiye, Director, Federation and Elite Athletes Department (FEAD), Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development made the promise on Tuesday in Tokyo shortly after wrestler Blessing Oborududu won Team Nigeria’s second medal at the Games.

He said the reward was an upward review from the initial amount announced due to the dedication of the athletes.

“Gold medallist will now be rewarded with 15,000 dollars, while silver and bronze medal winners will each get 10,000 dollars and 7,500 dollars respectively.

The Director said the gesture was to drive home the point that the Federal Government would always reward superlative performances.