The Federal Government of Nigeria has resolved to host the 20th National Sports Festival tagged, ‘EDO 2020’ slated for 22nd March – 1st April 2020 amidst the spread of COVID-19.
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, made this declaration during a Press Briefing in Abuja recently.
According to him, with less than six days to the commencement of the games which is scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, the Federal Government has affirmed its actions towards the containment and preventive measures against the spread of the disease.
He said, “As far as the Sports Festival is concerned, we shall recommend to the Organizers to screen everybody including participants and spectators because at the moment, we don’t see very strong threat internally .
Dr. Ehanire further assured that his team is focused on the precaution of making sure that everyone is screened. He said as long as Nigeria is not among countries that have a wide spread of the virus, there is no reason the Sports festival would be cancelled.
The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, who corroborated the above submissions by the Health Minister on preventive and proactive measures, admonished all athletes and participating officials, to abide with his advisory on usage of hand sanitizers throughout the duration of the Sports Festival as part of a wider safety measure by the Main Organizing Committee on ‘Edo 2020’ towards ensuring a secure, virus free and successful games.
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu accompanied Mr. Sunday Dare during his meeting with the Local Organizing Committee to review the medical preparations for Edo 2020 Games, especially to review plans for the containment of any suspected case and possible spread of the virus as partners in a mission of actualizing national unity, stability and economic prosperity for the youths through the instrumentality of sports.
Ramon Balogun.
Asst. Director.
For : Director Press.
