Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has honoured members of Team Lagos with cash prizes following their historic victory at the 2025 National Youth Games (NYG) held in Asaba, Delta State.
The Lagos team stunned the nation by emerging overall champions for the first time in the history of the Games, winning a total of 110 medals — 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze to dethrone host state and long-time champions, Delta.
The ninth edition of the NYG, which took place last month, featured athletes from across Nigeria in various sporting disciplines. Team Lagos’ victory marked a major turnaround in the state’s sporting fortunes and a huge achievement in youth sports development.
At a special reception held in Lagos House, Ikeja, on Friday, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced a comprehensive cash reward package to celebrate the outstanding performance of the athletes, their coaches, and sports administrators.
Breakdown of the Reward Package:
Individual gold medallists (41 athletes): ₦500,000 each
Gold medallists in doubles events: Share ₦500,000
Gold medal teams: ₦1 million per team
Silver medallists (individual): ₦300,000 each
Silver medallists in doubles: Share ₦300,000
Silver medal teams: ₦700,000 per team
Bronze medallists (individual): ₦250,000 each
Bronze medallists in doubles: Share ₦250,000
Bronze medal teams: ₦500,000 per team
61 coaches: ₦300,000 each
Non-medallist athletes: ₦100,000 each
Lagos State Sports Commission management: ₦25 million
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while addressing the athletes, praised them for their discipline, determination, and dedication.
“You have written the name of Lagos in gold,” he said. “Even the Governor of Delta State called to acknowledge that we have the best athletes in Nigeria. This gesture is our token of appreciation for your success. What you truly need to sustain this momentum are modern facilities, conducive environments, and quality equipment.”
The Governor added that the state government would continue to invest in sports development, especially at the grassroots level, to nurture more champions for national and international competitions.
“We are committed to raising future Olympians and global sports icons from Lagos,” he said.
The event was attended by government officials, athletes, coaches, and sports stakeholders who applauded the governor’s support for youth development through sports.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, also praised the Governor for his commitment to youth empowerment through sports.
“This victory is a result of the Governor’s consistent investment in sports infrastructure, athlete development, and grassroots talent discovery. Lagos has now become a force to reckon with in Nigerian sports,” Fatodu said.
He noted that the journey to the NYG began months ago with intense preparation, talent scouting, and training supported by the state government. He thanked the athletes and their coaches for making the state proud.
The National Youth Games, launched in 2013 by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, is aimed at discovering and developing young sporting talent across Nigeria. It is held annually and features athletes under the age of 15 competing in various sports including athletics, football, gymnastics, boxing, taekwondo, table tennis, and swimming.
Delta State has traditionally dominated the Games since its inception. However, Lagos State has consistently improved its performance in recent years. The 2025 edition saw Lagos achieve a breakthrough by not only topping the medal table but also showcasing new sporting talent with future national potential.
As Lagos celebrates this remarkable achievement, the Governor’s reward scheme is seen as both an appreciation and motivation for continued excellence in youth sports.
