by Ovie Okpare
The Federal Government has ordered immediate postponement the 2020 edition of the National Sports Festival billed for Edo State over the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, disclosed this on Tuesday as Nigeria recorded its third case of the virus.
It was learnt that the decision was reached after a meeting between Dare, Dr Osagie Ehanire (Minister of Health) and officials of the Health Ministry.
The continued spread of the disease in Africa forced the government to suspend to most anticipapted sports game in the ‘Heart Beat of the Nation.’
They reviewed the COVID-19 situation vis-a-vis Edo 2020 Sports festival towards making decision on the postponement.
In series of tweet by the Minister of Sports, Dare, on his official twitter handle, announced that the competition had been shifted till further notice.
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Dare stated that the postponement was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said, “A meeting between the Ministers of Health, myself and a few other experts just concluded now at the Health Ministry to review the COVID-19 situation vis-a-vis Edo 2020 Sports festival towards making decision on the postponement. A final decision will be communicated shortly.
“President Muhammadu Buhari approves the postponement of the National Sports Festival Edo 2020 as a precautionary move against COVID-19 spread.
“Following the briefing of Mr. President from myself and the Minister of State for Health on COVID 19, Mr. President approved the immediate postponement of Edo Sports festival to a future date.”
