Plateau weightlifters decry neglect after winning 11 medals
Nigeria
The Plateau State weightlifting contingent at the concluded 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) has decried the neglect from the state government despite their feat at the tournament.
The team won 11 medals out of which 3 were gold in the tournament, which was held in Ogun State in May 2025.
Their efforts surpassed their performance at the 2022 edition.
However their expectations of a heroic welcome became a mirage as the weightlifters said they were neither received upon arrival nor have they met with the State government officials since their return.
Coach Plateau State Weightlifters, Mr Joseph Christopher, who acknowledged the efforts of Governor Caleb Mutfwang on sports development since assumption of office, said the weightlifters demanded recognition at the height attained at the NSF, adding that the Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Musa Ashon, made some monetary promise for each medal won, which is yet to be redeemed.
“Governor Mutfwang has surpassed his predecessors in ensuring that our welfare is top priority. Before we left for Ogun State for the tournament, all allowances were paid. This is remarkable because for the past 10 years, this is the first time the State even provided a tracksuit for us”,
Asking for more, the Coach called on the Commissioner to redeem the pledge he made, as this will further motivate the athletes.
According to him, “The Commissioner promised that each medal from the Gold is 1 million, Silver 750, 000, and Bronze 500, 000.
“We came back with three golds, two silvers and six bronze medals”, he said.
He lamented that for two months since their return from Ogun State, they are yet to meet with the Commissioner.
Speaking with our correspondent on Thursday, during a party organised by a Board Member, Weightlifting Association, Plateau State, Dr. Segun Afolabi Olomo, added that the athletes will boost the image of the State by winning more medals in future events if they are treated better.
Olomo, who is also the owner of the popular Exclusive Wine Shop, opined that athletes are leaving the State in search of greener pastures elsewhere.
He called on Governor Mutfwang, to replicate the gesture President Bola Tinubu demonstrated to the Super Falcons and the D’Tigress, acknowledging that the strength of financial give away might not be the same.
“I think we need to give them a moral booster. Just on my own, as a former sportsman, I organized this little get-together to wake up their morale and to celebrate with them and congratulate them.
“As a member of the board I want to also listen to some things they might like to say.
“Now, they are very appreciative and thankful to the present State Government.
“They have been enjoying tremendous support compared to the previous government, but I would say as a board member and from what I could observe, there is still a lot to be done”, he added.
