SportsSports Fiesta Saved As Abuja Wades In

Sports Fiesta Saved As Abuja Wades In

BEVERLY HILLS, April 09, (THEWILL) – The furore that trended on Thursday over the threats from the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the ongoing National Sports Festival, “Edo2020” that had resolved to prematurely shut down the Games over the non-fulfillment of the Federal Government’s promises to provide financial assistance necessary for its adequate organisi has been resolved.

This comes as the THEWILL gathered that the LOC Chairman of the games, and Deputy Governor of Edo state, the Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, confirmed receipt of Federal Government’s stronger commitment to assistance, which encouraged the Chairman to pledge to continue the Games as scheduled.

THEWILL recalls that the media arm of the LOC on Wednesday had announced the inability of the Edo State Government to continue with the Games if funds were not provided from sports authorities at Nigeria’s seat of government in Abuja to cater for the COVID-19 enforced surplus expenditure incurred by the hosts, which the government promised but failed to deliver.

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In an interview with journalists, Shaibu affirmed the statement signed by Musa Ebomhiana, Project Manager, Media and Communications, Edo 2020 Games, which laid to rest the issues surrounding the continuation of the Games, which is in day six currently.

“We are happy that there is a stronger commitment by the Federal Government. The games continue,” he confirmed.

Meanwhile, the official statement that addressed the issues and which Ebomhiana signed, read: “At the end of the meeting presided over by the Chairman, Deputy Governor Edo state, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, the LOC decided that the games have to continue. The LOC agreed that the presidential intervention is a very strong and direct commitment which we must all respect, honour and take seriously.

“We strongly believe and respect commitments from the presidency. We take them by their words. It is a strong message to us that they are strongly committed to redeeming their pledge to support us for the losses suffered arising from the three postponements of the games.

“The LOC appreciates president Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, the Chief of staff to the president Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari and indeed the Governor of Edo state Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his high level of commitment to work with the federal government for the success of the festival, Edo 2020.”

The committee wished the athletes and officials from across the 36 states and the FCT a memorable stay in Edo for the duration of the Games.

About the Author

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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

Jude Obafemi, THEWILLhttps://thewillnews.com
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

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