Minister declares Edo ready to host Nigerian youths

Youth and Sports Development Minister, Sunday Dare, who is in Edo State ahead of the National Sports Festival (NSF) to ascertain the level of preparations for the national event, has praised the Edo State government for the turnaround in facilities within a few months, adding that they have raised the bar for hosting of sporting events in Nigeria.

The Festival will be held at various centres in Benin from March 20 to April 4.

Speaking after inspecting the hostel accommodation for athletes in Benin City. Dare said, “We started from the stadium; we looked at a section of the stadium today. We had already looked at the other parts when I said it was 90 per cent ready. When I came the last time it was just rafters for the gym, we have seen that everything is almost set, by Sunday or Monday that place will be fully ready,” the minister explained.

“We have seen the hard court, Ogbe hard court is ready. We have seen the main bowl itself is ready, we will test the tracks by our athletes. It almost means that it is ready. I think we couldn’t ask for more.”

Speaking on the level of preparedness to battle the spread of Corona virus, also known as Covid-19, the Minister said: “I think beyond the bricks-and-mortar, beyond the tracks, the buildings, the hostels, the other thing they have done so well is containing the spread of the virus.

“As we speak, I know they have received 8,500 sanitizers, the total number they’re expecting is 12, 000 sanitizers. As we speak, I know they have designated 15 entry points for screening, so if you’re coming from the North, if you’re coming from Lagos, the first point of call, just like the entry points at the airport, is the screening point. That screening point you also get the package of literature and sanitizers and then you get your accreditation done. One-Stop Shop. 

“They have done tremendously well I’m sure tomorrow when they start the daily briefing on medical preparedness for the next six days you will understand the level of work they have done beyond the brick and mortar.”

The minister expressed hope that the competition would throw up talents for the country for future sports events.