Osinbajo to declare Edo 2020 open

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will declare the 20th National Sports Festival open on Tuesday, Saturday PUNCH reports.

The festival holds from April 2 to 14 in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, who also doubles as Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the event, in a statement on Friday said the Games Village would be open on April 2 for athletes and officials.

“The Torch of Unity will arrive in Edo State on April 3, and will go round the 18 local government areas in the state. It will arrive at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium mainbowl on April 6, where the governor will light it up.”

The Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control will arrive in Benin City four days to the commencement of the festival, to monitor compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.

“All the non-pharmaceutical measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 will be provided for by the state government at the various venues and camps,” Shaibu added.

The sports fiesta has suffered several postponements occasioned by disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.