By Chukwuemeka Abbah, Abuja
The Director of Federal Capital Territory Sports Council, Dilichukwu Onyedima has appealed to the protesting athletes and coaches to be patient with the FCT Administration, assuring that their outstanding 2018 National Sports Festival award money will be paid as soon as the COVID-19 is brought under control.
Dilichukwu while reacting to the recent outburst by athletes and coaches about the award money said the money would have been disbursed to them but due to the present situation in the country, the FCT administration is currently busy finding ways to curtail the global Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the territory and the world.
“I read in the news that the coaches and athletes came out and talked about when their award money will be paid to them. I want to assure them that the money will be paid soon. FCT Administration is doing everything in making sure that they receive their money as soon as possible.
“I appeal to them to be patient and wait for the good news.
“I know that arrangement is in top gear to organise a red carpet reception where the award money would be officially handed over to them.
The coaches and athletes who represented FCT at the 2018 National Sports Festival held in Abuja have asked the minister of FCT to investigate why their award money which has been released since April has not been paid to them.
FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Bello had promised to give financial reward to medallists at the National Sports Festival to show appreciation for their commitment.
Muhammad Bello promised to appreciate the athletes thud: Gold medallist – Three hundred thousand (N300,000) naira, Silver medallists to smile home with Two hundred thousand (N200,000) and One hundred thousand (N200,000) for Bronze medallists .
Prompt News recalls that FCT finished 7th on the medal table of the 2018 National Sports Festival with 21 gold, 13 silver and 25 bronze medals.
