The Extra-ordinary Council on Sports Virtual meeting was held on 15th December 2020 to give an update on the 20th National Sports Festival and the consequential adjustment on the date as a result of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19’s observation and advice on the initial date.
• The Honourable Minister/Chairman of Council briefed Council members on the reasons behind the postponement from the initial date of 3rd – 18th December 2020.
• That the PTF observed the need to ensure the safety of all athletes and officials by adequately putting up an awareness campaign on the risk of COVID-19 and the necessary precaution to be taken to avoid spread during the festival.
• A new date of 14th – 28th February 2021 was presented and approved by the Council as well as the host State.
• The Local Organizing Committee Chairman in the person of the Deputy Governor of Edo State thanked the Hon. Minister for being diplomatic in handling the issue, but expressed his displeasure with the way PTF manages the festival and the COVID -19 issues.
• He further requested the Honourable Minister to request for support for Edo State in view of the fact that the Edo State has put in so much on the festival and suffered so many postponements.
• The Honourable Minister promised that the Ministry will write the Presidency for intervention funds to support the host State.
• In view of the fact that most States were in camps before the postponement, a request was made that the palliative to request for should go round to other States.
