News reports to the effect that the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival (NSF) has been postponed indefinitely are false and unfounded, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare has revealed.
Dare who spoke through a press statement issued his media office said consultations were on going between the ministry, Edo state government, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19, and National Council on Sports to decide on a new date to host the festival.
“Like we did by consulting with the PTF on Covid-19 when we lifted the ban on non – contact sports and later contact sports, discussions are ongoing to decide on a new date for the festival. The fake news that the festival has been postponed indefinitely must have emanated from a false source,” he said.
The statement further stated, “We are considering a staggered Festival spanning several weeks and athletes batched, no fans and strict adherence to the Covid-19 protocol. While we are committed to holding the festival, we do not want to endanger the lives of athletes and officials. Be rest assured that a decision would be taken in line with government’s guidelines in the best interest of the common good of our sports and the athletes “
The NSF which was earlier scheduled to hold in March in Benin City, Edo state capital was postponed due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic which also affected social, economic activities.
