News reports to the effect that the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival has been postponed indefinitely is false and unfounded as the Ministry has not made a final decision.
A statement by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Media office clarified that consultations were on going between the Ministry, the Edo State Government, the PTF on Covid-19 , and the 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 on going 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.”
The statement further stated
“We are considering a staggered Festival spanning several weeks and Atheletes 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 Atheletes 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 National Sports Festival which was earlier scheduled to hold in March in Benin City, Edo State was postponed due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic which also affected social, economic activities.