Edo 2020 Postponed On Grounds Of ‘Caution, Sensitivity’ Over Coronavirus –LOC

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 20th National Sports Festival tagged Edo 2020 says the festival has been postponed indefinitely on caution grounds and being sensitivity to the countries already affected by the pandemic of the disease.

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare first announced the postponement of the Edo 2020 via the Social Media on Tuesday after consulting with the Minister of State for Health and getting the nod of President Muhammad Buhari.

The LOC of the 20th National Sports Festival released a statement also on Tuesday signed by its chairman cum Deputy Governor Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shiabu.

The statement explained that the Sports Festival has been postponed because the organisers have decided to be cautious about Coronavirus which is not yet pandemic in the country, and also to sympathize with the countries already facing big challenge concerning the Covid-19.

“We regret to announce the postponement of the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF), EDO 2020, initially scheduled to begin from March 22 to April 1, 2020,” the Edo State Deputy Governor said in the statement.

“The postponement has become necessary as a result of the shutdown of socio-economic activities in various countries across the world due to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

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“Although there is no pandemic of the disease in Nigeria and theEdo State Govermment is fully prepared to host the Games and handle eventualities that may arise as a result of the outbreak of
the Coronavirus and any other disease, we have decided to err on the side of caution and also show sensitivity to the plight of other countries dealing with the challenge.

“Details on the new date for the National Sports Festival will be
communicated after due consultation with the relevant government agencies.”