National Sports Festival not postponed indefinitely -Minister

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.