https://thestateofedonow.com/2020/03/17/2020-national-sports-festival-postpone-over-coronavirus-epidemic/

The Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, the health Minister, Dr Osagie Ehanire and a few other experts earlier today reached a decision to postpone the Edo 2020 National sports festival scheduled to begin on the 22nd of March.

The decision was reached during the meeting to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic as it affects the National Sports Festival.

Mr. Dare made the announcement in a series of tweet on his official Twitter handle.

He tweeted:
"Following the briefing of Mr. President from myself and the Minister of State for Health on COVID 19, Mr. President approved the immediate postponement of Edo Sports festival to a future date

A meeting between the Ministers of Health, myself and a few other experts just concluded now at the Health Ministry to review the COVID-19 situation vis-a-vis Edo 2020 Sports festival towards making decision on the postponement. A final decision will be communicated shortly.

President Mohammadu Buhari approves the postponement of the National Sports Festival Edo 2020 as a precautionary move against COVID-19 spread".

Shortly after the announcement by the Minister of Sports, the Edo State government responded in a statement issued by the Deputy Governor and Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu. He said “The postponement has become necessary as a result of the shutdown of socio-economic activities in various countries across the world due to the outbreak of the COVID-19.

“Although there is no pandemic of the disease in Nigeria and the Edo State Government is fully prepared to host the games and handle eventualities that may arise as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus and any other disease, we have decided to err on the side of caution and also show sensitivity to the plight of other countries dealing with the challenge.”

He added, “Details on the new date for the National Sports Festival will be communicated after due consultation with the relevant government agencies.”