By Harry Awurumibe, Head, Abuja Bureau
Vice President Yemi Osibajo will on Saturday March 22, declare open the National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged Edo 2020.
This much was confirmed by the Chairman of Edo 2020 Local Organising Committee (LOC), Hon. Philip Shaibu who is also the Deputy Governor of Edo state.
He said that Prof. Osibanjo has been officially invited to grace the occasion which end on April 1. Speaking to State House Correspondents last night at the Presidential Villa, Abuja after making a presentation to the National Economic Council (NEC), Shaibu revealed that the Federal Government will be represented by the Vice President.
“The Vice President was officially invited to Edo state for the National Sports Festival coming up on March 22 to April 1, 2020. A formal invitation has been dispatched for His Excellency’s kind review. It would be our utmost pleasure to host him at the opening ceremony that will take place in Benin City. Thank you very much”, Shaibu disclosed.
The Deputy Governor who came with members of the Edo 2020 LOC including former Lagos State Sports Commission boss, Dr. Kweku Tandoh hinted that the multi-sport event will live up to expectations, adding that the facilities and logistics for the sports event are ready.
According to Edo 2020 sports festival programme made available to Prompt News the opening ceremony will take place inside the mainbowl of the rebuilt iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City by 7pm on March 22.
Unlike in the previous competitions, Edo 2020 will feature a total of 39 sport events with no fewer than 11, 500 athletes and more than 50 officials participating.
About 132 medical personnel will be involved in providing health assistance while the events will take place in17 venues across Edo state.
The National Sports Festival started in Nigeria in 1973 and has been held every two years except on few occasions just as the last NSF was took place in Abuja in 2018 after six years hiatus.
