The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) on Thursday announced that facilities under its watch would be closed and sports activities suspended in the state from Monday.
The LSSC Chairman, Sola Aiyepeku, stated that the decision was part of measures to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added that the commission, as a responsible body, feels that the safety and well-being of recreational and professional athletes as well as the general population should be the most important priority.
“In line with the directive of the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in discouraging gatherings of more than 50, we have taken the step of suspending sports activities at all LSSC facilities.
“Sports naturally draws a lot of people. Many entail contact with others, and to stem the spread of the virus we have to put such activities on hold till such a time that these activities do not put anyone at risk.
“We also ask operators of private sports facilities, gyms and fitness centres and organisers of sports events to follow this directive,’’ Aiyepeku said in a statement released in Lagos.
Aiyepeku added that sports in Lagos require a healthy, safe citizenry. “Once this pandemic is under control, the athletes will all be back on the pitches and tracks to enjoy and partake in sports.
“We take this step in the best interest of Lagosians, because sports activities all across the world have been hit by the coronavirus pandemic and many have been suspended or postponed,’’ he said.(NAN)
