By Obaseki Anthony on February 22, 2020

The Edo State Government on Friday launched a 30-day countdown to the commencement of the 20th National Sports Festival tagged Edo 2020 with a road show to create more awareness about the games scheduled to begin on March 22 and end on April 1,2020.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Godwin Obaseki again assured of his administration’s commitment to hosting the rest of Nigeria. He assured that everything required by the organising committees has been taken care of.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and the Deputy Governor of the host state, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, in a press conference assured the 11,500 athletes and officials expected to participate in the games of adequate security, medical attention, transportation, catering services and other logistics.

“We decided to let the public know how far we have gone with our preparation for the 2020 National Sports Festival today as the 30 days countdown begins on Saturday.

“The journey started 432 days ago, precisely on the 16th of December 2018 when the hosting right of the festival was awarded to Edo State during the closing ceremony of 19th National Sports Festival in Abuja,” Shaibu said.

The state, according to him, swung into action and began preparation immediately after the Governor signed an agreement with the Federal Ministry of Sports, by investing massively in sports infrastructure and mobilising various planning committees with a mandate to ensure a very successful sports festival.

The Deputy Governor, who restated Edo Government’s readiness to host Nigeria come March 22, declared that the approved date is sacrosanct.

On the logistics arrangement, the Deputy Governor said: “We are providing accommodation for about 11,500 athletes and officials.

“The University of Benin Hostels, Ugbowo and Ekehuan campuses as well as Federal Girls College, Benin City, will serve as the Games Village.

“The students at the University of Benin went on break yesterday (Thursday), and the renovation works at the hostels have commenced.

“On catering, we shall operate a central feeding system and the caterers will soon be screened and profiled before they are engaged.”

On transportation, the LOC boss said a central transport system shall be operated hence their plans to create transport malls at the games village.

According to him, special parks will be created for ease of movement of athletes, officials and dignitaries including the spectators. Vehicular movement shall be restricted at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

On security and health, the Deputy Governor assured that the state will not compromise.

“Medical centres will be sited at all the games venues. Volunteer security will be on ground to support official state security agencies. About 1,000 public work volunteers are prepared to function,” Shaibu disclosed.

He added that Edo is ready to host a memorable sports festival for Nigeria.

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 22, 2020

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