Hosts of the NSF, Edo will register 689 athletes and 236 officials for the 20th National Sports Festival, which holds in Benin City, the state capital, from April 2 to 14.
Addressing journalists at the Government House, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, who doubles as the Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the festival, said the reduction of athletes and officials, as well as the scrapping of the opening and closing ceremonies would not deprive the event of its glamour.
He assured that the state would organise a befitting festival with world-class facilities, including the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, which boasts the latest track, same type that would be used at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The Deputy Governor also urged the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to release funds meant for the event in good time to help finalise it’s preparations for the event.
