The Sports Performance Reward Fund (SPRF), a visionary initiative with a star-studded board of trustees, holds the key to propelling Nigeria into the realm of global sports superpowers. Godwin Kienka, the Executive Secretary of the Fund, has boldly declared that the SPRF will revolutionize the way Nigerian sports are perceived and rewarded, both at home and abroad.
The SPRF aims to raise an initial sum of N10 billion, which will be dedicated to rewarding Nigerian athletes who achieve podium success at major international competitions, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, All Africa Games, and selected World Championships. This groundbreaking initiative will ensure that hard work and dedication are met with tangible rewards, creating a meritocratic system that will inspire the youth of Nigeria to pursue their sporting dreams.
The reward structure is designed to incentivize excellence, with gold medalists at the Olympics set to receive N10 million, silver medalists N7.5 million, and bronze medalists N5 million. The Commonwealth Games will offer N5 million for gold, N3 million for silver, and N2 million for bronze, while the All-Africa Games and selected World Championships will provide N3 million for gold, N2 million for silver, and N1 million for bronze.
Kienka, who is also the author of “Sports in Nigeria, Going Round in Circles,” emphasizes that the SPRF will create an environment where talent and hard work are the primary drivers of success. He believes that the fund will help transform the lives of young athletes, enabling them to rise from humble beginnings to become national heroes and role models for future generations.
The SPRF boasts a dream team of globally acclaimed professionals with impeccable integrity, serving as the Board of Trustees. This diverse group includes Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida, former Deputy Group Managing Director of Total Energies Nigeria; Odein H. Ajumogobia SAN, former Minister of Petroleum and Foreign Affairs; Prof. Wale Sulaiman CON, a renowned Neurosurgeon; Mrs Ifueko Omogui-Okauru, former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); and other distinguished individuals from various fields.
The SPRF’s commitment to transparency and accountability is unparalleled, ensuring that the funds are managed with the utmost care and utilized solely for the benefit of Nigerian athletes. This level of professionalism and integrity will not only attract private sector investment in Nigerian sports but also inspire confidence in the nation’s sporting ecosystem.
As Nigeria continues to strive for excellence on the global sports stage, the SPRF stands as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. By rewarding success and creating an environment that nurtures talent, the fund has the potential to transform the landscape of Nigerian sports, paving the way for a future where the country becomes a true global sports superpower.
