The Federal Government will assist the Edo Government financially in hosting the 20th National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in the ancient city of Benin.
This was made known by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare while speaking on the sidelines at the just concluded 2021 Admiral Porbeni Boat Race which held in Abuja on Saturday.
It will be noted that the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki recently announced that though the state is ready, it however, wasn’t financially buoyant to host the over 11,000 athletes expected to hit the state.
“Yes, they are ready to host and they have worked together with the ministry of youth and sports to get to this point. We are dealing with COVID-19 protocols, sporting infrastructure, health issues and provisions.”
“When they are postponement like this, there will be cost implications and we have some postponement. Edo State have realized that there have been implications and just had an election. They have spoken to the ministry that they will need financial support which has not come from the federal government.”
“The ministry has put up that case and it takes a process. We are sure we will get approval for that support. We are committed to the Nigerian youths who are the major participants and beneficiaries of this national sports festival.
