Nigeria’s team to this summer’s Olympic Games will take advantage of the world class facilities in Benin City and begin preparations immediately after the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival which holds next month in Edo state.
This followed the meeting between the Edo state government and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development at the weekend in Benin City over preparations for the National Sports Festival which starts after the Easter holidays.
In a communique issued after the meeting and signed by the Deputy Governor of Edo state, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu who also acts as the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Festival: “The (Edo) Government and the Ministry has agreed that Nigeria’s contingent for the Olympics would be camped in the state for preparation for the games to take advantage of the world-class equipment and facilities in the state.”
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It was also agreed that all athletes and officials from the 36 states and the Federal Capital territory (Abuja) participating in the Festival must take Covid-19 tests 72 hours before their arrival for the tournament.They are also expected to take Covid-19 vaccine at least 12 days before arriving in Benin City.
”Athletes/officials are to present certificates and documentation of COVID-19 tests and vaccination before they can be admitted into the Games Villages in the state,” said the Deputy Governor.
Shaibu further revealed that the National Sports Festival ‘Torch of Unity’, a symbolic representation of the Unity, Peace and Solidarity amongst Nigerians, especially the athletes and officials in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. will arrive Edo State on April 3 and will go round the 18 local governments in the state.
“It will arrive the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium main bowl on April 6 where the governor,Godwin Obaseki would light it up as part of the opening ceremony rituals.”
The Deputy Governor says attendance at the games is strictly regulated and the general public is advised to follow the activities across media platforms, including social platforms, as it will be streamed live.
